About The Club
A not for profit organisation, all monies made goes towards the welfare of our veterans and families
- The Club was established in March 2024.
- The Club meets the 3rd Friday of every month
- The aim of the club is to combat isolation and loneliness in the veterans community and provide essential support and friendship.
- The benefits are full signposting to veterans services and welfare all under one roof
- Assistance is given through SSAFA case workers and other relevant organisations
- Long term goals are to roll this club idea into more areas of Scotland with a high population of veterans service personnel and their families
- Funded purely by member contributions to raffles at the moment
We are currently in the process of starting 2 other clubs in Fort William and Inverness with a similar format
Currently, the club has now over 150 members – all military veterans, with 6 volunteers and it’s growing weekly.
Activities are planned – trips out for the day – sight seeing cinema arts and crafts and much more (funding dependant)
Meetings
- Veterans, service personnel and families are invited
Meeting every third Friday of the month and looking to do a second meeting on a Saturday - Cost is £5 per head which will cover tea, coffee and a bite to eat. For members struggling – the club will cover this cost
- Agenda is to get Veterans socialising within a safe environment
- Format is face to face involvement with other veterans to share stories and to assist with friendship and help if needed.
- The events will be held in different locations to showcase other local businesses
- What can you expect?
Friendship – updates of club – events laughter and fun – raffle
Assistance in veterans day to day welfare.
Frequently Asked..
Can I volunteer?
Volunteer help is always welcomed in the form of collecting donations / helping out at the breakfast club and meeting activities.
Please drop us an email with contact details and we will be in touch.
When is the Next Meeting?
Have a look on the Events page for all scheduled events
Do You Have a Facebook Page?
We do : https://www.facebook.com/groups/veteranclubgrantown
Please come and join us.
I have a local business - can i provide sponsorship for a meeting?
We would welcome sponsorship from business.
We are always looking to find new locations for a club meetings, Providing events, speakers and donations to raffle prizes.
An average cost of a meeting to us is £200.
We would showcase your donation via the website an return for your support
If you would like to help, please drop us an email with contact details and we will be in touch.
What areas do you cover?
Highlands, Moray, Aberdeenshire, Western Isles.
We hope to have similar Clubs up and running in Inverness and Fort william shortly.
Do you have many members?
Currently we have 86 members – all military veterans and 6 volunteers and it’s increasing week by week.
Do I have to book to go to Club Meetings?
You dont need to book, but it does help us to let us know in advance. This allows us to give the vendor an idea of how many people to expect.
You can let us know by quickly filling in the form <HERE> or drop us an email.
How much does it cost?
The charge to members for the breakfast is £5 to cover our costs, however if any member is having financial dificulty, the club will cover your cost for you.
Book an Event
We can take “walk-ins” to our meetings, but giving us advanced notice helps with letting the venue know some numbers for food. If you are planning coming, please click the button and let us know – thanks.
Club Organiser
My name is Mark Strachan and I live in Grantown on Spey.
I served 10 years in the Royal Military Police until our unit which was part of Ace Mobile Rapid Reaction Force was closed due to government cutbacks
I was then transferred into the Royal Logistics Corps as a specialist for 5 years until I was injured in Iraq in 2003
I then spent 5 years as a civilian Military Instructor between 2007 and 2013
I have served in Cyprus / Kosovo / Kenya /America / Norway / Uk, Germany / Kuwait /Iraq
Why am I doing this?
To connect veterans together as no one was providing that service in the highlands. It also helps with my own medical problems and mental health by helping others. It gives me great satisfaction hearing the laughter and seeing smiles on veterans’ faces
I also fundraise for lots of military charities and local ones
SSAFA
Blesma
Not forgotten association
Horseback uk (for veterans and service personnel mental health )
Tommys lounge
Royal British legion
Widowers and wife’s (Blesma)
And many more blowing my own trumpet raising awareness wherever needed
