An exciting announcement from HighGround CEO, Jamie Crisp regarding developments for the charity.

“Today marks a hugely important moment for HighGround.
I am incredibly proud to share that HighGround has now officially been granted charitable status in Scotland through OSCR.

This is far more than just a governance milestone. It is the first major step in our planned expansion into Scotland and represents the beginning of what we hope will become a long-term commitment to supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community through land-based opportunities, wellbeing and meaningful civilian employment pathways.

Over the last 12 months we have spent significant time listening, learning and building relationships across Scotland to understand where the charity can add genuine value and complement the outstanding work already taking place.
We know the strength of Scotland’s rural and land-based sector. We also know the incredible value that veterans and service leavers bring through leadership, resilience, teamwork and practical skills.

HighGround exists to bridge that gap — creating life beyond the military, outdoors.
The next phase now begins.
Our focus will be on developing partnerships, building visibility, engaging funders and establishing sustainable delivery models that can support veterans and serving personnel across Scotland in a meaningful and long-term way.

A huge thank you to the organisations and individuals who have already welcomed us, supported conversations and helped shape our thinking including:

Scottish Land and Estates
Officers Association Scotland
SRUC
University of the West of Scotland
The Kings Trust
Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance
Scottish Veterans Commissioner
Lantra
Lantra Scotland
Lantra Scotland

Ruth White, Ross Ewing, Sarah-Jane Laing, Professor Murray Leith, Lynne Sommerville, Pauline Murray, Heather McVeigh, Tim Bowie, Robert Winterton, John Kerner, Jon Perkins, Charles Benett, Peter Harper, Simon Caraffi, Heather Crawford, Leah Graham

Alongside wider partners from the land-based sector, military charity sector and veterans’ community.”

Cahir of Trustees, Simon Caraffi said, “The HighGround Board is delighted that we are now registered as a charity in Scotland, which will enable us not only to raise funds in Scotland but also to provide services to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and land based employers and other organisations based in Scotland. We are very much looking forward to collaborating and working with other veterans’ charities in Scotland to pursue HighGround’s vision to be the leading organisation for the provision of land-based opportunities for Service Leavers, Reservists and Veterans.”

There is much to do and we are excited about the work ahead that will enable us to develop a comprehensive offer.

If you or your company would be interested in working with us to offer employment, voluntary or work experience opportunities, please contact Heather – operationsmanager@highground-uk.org

If you can help with funding or developing partnerships, please contact our Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, Leah – leah.graham@highground-uk.org

We will have regular updates on progress and make announcements in due course regarding courses and locations, so keep checking here and on social media!

Roots to recovery.  Life beyond the military – outdoors.