Scotland

Person planting a young seedling into soil in a garden tray, using a tool to handle a small plant, with other seedlings growing nearby.

Highland Roots

Development of a fully collaborative initiative to create a DGS Hub and Spoke model, for the delivery and evaluation of nature-based therapy for the Armed Forces community in the Highlands of Scotland​. For more information please reach out to the DGS Programme Manager Scotland (Highlands) via email: pip@defencegeardens.org 

A historic beige house with blue shutters and multiple chimneys, situated alongside a cobblestone walkway, with small trees and a garden in the front.
Logo for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, featuring text in dark green and a stylized green floral emblem.

Healing Roots

Development of a fully collaborative initiative to work with Scotland’s heritage of therapeutic landscapes and local organisations  to deliver support to the Armed Forces community.

Pink water lilies and green lily pads on a pond surrounded by tall grass.
Scottish Prison Service logo on a white background.

HMP Scotland

In Spring 2025, DGS was awarded a Veterans' Foundation Major Grant, to enable further development and evaluation of this in-prison ‘Seeds of Change’ 10-week programme and to include DGS becoming a City and Guilds Approved Centre. DGS will be delivering Level 2 Horticulture, at HMP Maghaberry, NI and by working with the other Major Grant holders to ensure cohesive and collaborative planning, begin Seeds of Change delivery in Scotland.

DGS are committed to the support and progression of Veterans who have found themselves part of the Criminal Justice System and are members of the Cobseo Justice Cluster.

An apple tree with green leaves and a single ripe red apple hanging from one of the branches, set against a bright blue sky with some clouds and open grassy field in the background.
Text-based logo reading 'Scotland's Veterans Wellbeing Alliance' with 'Wellbeing Alliance' in larger, gold-colored font.

Thrive Together Scotland

DGS is a proud member of Scotland’s Veterans’ Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) being delivered as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s (AFCFT) Thrive Together Programme. This is a developing eco-system of organisations ready to support the Armed Forces Community, to reduce the stigma around help-seeking behaviour and help Service Leavers and their families to live well and thrive in communities which embrace their knowledge, skills and potential.

Online Wellbeing Hub for Veterans and Families | Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance

Episode 1 – When You Can’t Just ‘Crack On’ | Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance