Edinburgh Napier University is the first in Scotland to achieve a gold award from the Ministry of Defence for offering increased educational opportunities to ex-service personnel.

The university also works with local schools, including Colinton and Sighthill primaries, to highlight to the children of military families that they can aspire to a university education.

And, within the university, there is a network of veterans’ champions, easing the way for the armed forces to engage.

Researchers at Napier have also been pivotal in identifying a new condition called Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) that particularly affects military personnel.

Professor Andrea Nolan, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, said: “From our ground-breaking research into CPTSD to our educational support for all ranks of ex-service personnel, we proudly support those who serve and will continue to do so.”

Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain.

“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”

PICTURE: Gary Seath, Claire Biggar and Alistair Sambell of Edinburgh Napier with Lieutenant-General Tyrone Richard Urch.

Website | + posts

Experienced news, business, arts, sport and travel journalist. Food critic and managing editor of a well-established food and travel website. Also a magazine editor of publications with circulations of up to 200,000 and managing director of a long-established PR/marketing company with a string of blue-chip clients in its CV. Former communications lecturer at a Scottish university and social media specialist for a string of successful and busy SMEs.