The Officers Association Scotland (OA Scotland) was founded in 1920 as a distinct branch of its sister Association in London, by Field Marshal The Earl Haig. 

On demobilisation after the First World War hundreds of former officers found themselves in difficulties, unable to find a job, and sometimes with no money, shelter or means of support. Many were suffering from wounds. They had been selected for commissioned service because of the personal qualities but, sad to state, in the post-war period large numbers of them were destitute. Several had taken to playing barrel organs in the streets of Edinburgh displaying placards that they were ex-officers with wives and children to support, but without income and therefore down and out.

Throughout its existence Scotland’s OA has supported officers and their dependants in many ways, but it has consistently addressed helping officers find employment, providing advice and, in cases of need, financial support.

Vision

All Officers and their families across Scotland are supported to lead full and productive lives

Mission

We exist to provide lifelong support, resources, employment training and financial welfare assistance to officers and their families throughout their transition to civilian life and beyond to assist in their stability, security and independence ​

Core Values

• We are Professional going above and beyond the basics to deliver a personal and bespoke services
• We Respect the unique worth of every individual 
• We Proactive, searching for new opportunities and connections for those we support
• We Encourage people to fulfil their potential

Download our Strategic plan for 2020 - 2025

Chief Executive
Heather McVeigh 

​Heather has worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, following a career in law.  Skilled in strategic and business development, team and change management, employment and mentoring. Passionate about supporting others and loves a challenge. 
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​Contact Heather – h.mcveigh@oascotland.org.uk

Finance Manager
Lynne Grant

Lynne is a skilled and high-performing senior management professional with many years of diverse experience within both commerce and not for profit. She has extensive experience within numerous financial, accounting & operational fields.  She thrives on developing and delivering business strategy and objectives and high quality pertinent management information, reporting and analysis
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Contact Lynne – l.grant@oascotland.org.uk

​Head of Employment Services
Tom Denovan

Ex-RAF 24 years, then senior HR Roles in NHS/Local Government.  Passionate about people and making a real difference to their lives – OA Scotland – dream job and a great brand to promote!  Specialisms incl:  Motivation, Coaching, Mentoring, Interviewing Skills, Change Management, Delivering and Recruitment.
Now based in Inverness looking after North Scotland.
 
Contact Tom – T.denovan@oascotland.org.uk
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Employment Consultant
Amanda Crawford

An Employment Consultant with over 30 years’ experience of employability support.
Amanda has a diverse background of matching clients to temporary or permanent positions with client companies. Experienced in providing careers advice and guidance to people who want support in making choices that will affect their working lives. Enjoys building positive relationships, new to the OAS team and looking forward to working with this amazing client group and being part of the OAS team!
 
Contact Amanda – a.crawford@oascotland.org.uk

Head of Welfare Services
Gary Gray

Gary served in the RAF for 24 years and has worked in the ex-service sector since 2006.  Primarily employed as Poppyscotland’s Head of Welfare Services he is also responsible for delivering similar services on behalf of the Officers Association Scotland.

Contact Gary – g.gray@poppyscotland.org.uk

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Download our Annual Report & Financial Statement for 2020 - 2025

Governance

Our Board provide direction and oversight of all OA Scotland's activities. They are all ex-military officers who have gained wide experience in the commercial and charitable sectors since leaving the services.
 
Chairman of the Board
Andrew Herberts
Former army officer and now Deputy Director, Private Investment Management, Thomas Miller Investments. Also Chair of SSAFA, East of Scotland branch.
 
Rob Littlejohn
Former RAF officer followed by a senior role in the Lowlands Reserve Forces & Cadet Association. Also had many years involvement with SSAFA as Chair of their Glasgow Branch.
 
James Bryden
Former Army Officer and is now the Head Of Chief Investments Office with Aberdeen Standard. James is a member of our Grants and Bursary Committee
 
Liz McKinney Bennett
Former Army Officer, Liz is now Head of Examinations at The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
 
Anthony Perriam
Anthony Perriam, Chartered Surveyor and now retired Managing Partner at Rettie Borders LLP in Melrose. Formerly an officer in the Black Watch, with an MA from St Andrews and an Edinburgh University MBA. Also a Trustee of the Black Watch Museum and the Scottish Society for the Employment of Ex-Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen
 
Emma Watson-Mack
Former army officer and now Development Director with Entrepreneurial Scotland and The Saltire Foundation.
 
Nicholas Trowell
Former army officer and now Head of Frontline Risk at Barclays UK.
 
Sophie Mifsud
Former army officer. Now an army wife and Regional Manager for Defence Transition Service covering Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brigadier Suzanne Anderson
Suzanne is still serving within the British Army and is Head of Individual Development in the Army Headquarters assuming the post of Deputy Military Secretary in September 2018.  She is a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute, a trustee of the Army Sports Control Board and the AGC Regimental Association and Head of Profession for the Adjutant General's Corps (Educational and Training Services).