Living in the Highlands
The Scottish Government has produced a guide for service personnel and their families which provides information on a range of services, such as housing, education, healthcare, employment, training, benefits and social care.
Housing
We are committed to supporting members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families in accessing social housing and other accommodation options across the Highlands.
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans have several housing options tailored for them.
Additional housing options, including schemes like LIFT New Supply, Open Market Shared Equity, and Mid-Market Rent, include veterans as a priority group.
For those homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact us as soon as possible.
Money and Benefits
Financial top tips for service personnel offer advice on credit ratings, mortgages, loans, insurance, and mobile phone contracts.
If you need assistance with your Universal Credit application, contact:
In-person advice
If you prefer face-to-face support, the following organisations offer money management and practical advice on benefits, pensions, housing, and employment:
Highland Council Welfare Team
Our welfare team provides free, confidential, and impartial support to maximise and manage your income. They can assist with benefit applications, entitlements, and payments, offering both home visits and service point appointments across Highland.
Armed Services Advice Project
Offering face-to-face advice across Scotland, the Armed Services Advice Project provides information, advice, and casework support from trained specialist advisers. In Highland, this service is delivered by Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey, Nairn, and Moray Citizens Advice Bureaus, with advisers based at Nairn CAB.
To speak with an adviser:
Schools and Learning
Children and young people from Armed Forces families are supported through the Armed Forces Covenant to prevent disadvantage in their education and learning opportunities.
The Military Liaison Group (Education) is a multi-agency and third-sector partnership working with families, education providers, and specialist services to promote equity and ensure military families thrive academically and socially.
Education System
The Scottish Government has published a guide explaining how the education system in Scotland functions, highlighting key differences and considerations.
Enrolment in Highland
Details are available at School Information in Highland. Armed Forces families can enrol at any point during the school year. It is recommended that you contact your chosen school early, informing them that you are from an Armed Forces family. If a permanent address is not available at enrolment, you may use the Unit Welfare Office address temporarily.
Additional Support for Children and Young People
Information is available on:
If your child or young person is on a waiting list, undergoing assessment, or receiving support, identifying as from an Armed Forces family can help prevent disadvantages when transferring to a new authority or setting outside Highland.
Supporting Parental Deployment or Absence
To ensure your child's needs are met during deployment or parental absence, inform their education setting so they can provide appropriate support.
Health Care
For information about support available to Armed Forces and veteran patients, visit the NHS Highland Armed Forces and Veterans.