About Us
About us
Discover our history, who we are and what we can offer you – we’re not just for officers!
Officers’ Association Scotland provides employment support to veterans and service leavers of all ranks across Scotland. Support includes one-to-one career guidance, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Welfare support is also available to former officers and their families, offering practical advice and financial assistance.
Our History
The Officers’ Association Scotland (OAS) was founded in 1920 by Field Marshal, The Earl Haig to support former officers transitioning from military to civilian life after the First World War. At that time, many returning serving personnel faced unemployment, financial insecurity, and, in some cases, homelessness. Despite their service and leadership, countless officers found it difficult to rebuild their lives. Initially, OAS focused on providing financial assistance to relieve distress among officers and their dependents. Over time, as the needs of the community evolved, it expanded its services to provide lifelong welfare assistance, employment support, career guidance, training, and networking opportunities.
Today, OAS continues to offer through-life support, helping service leavers and veterans transition smoothly into civilian life and their next careers. We provide practical guidance and assistance tailored to each individual, ensuring that everyone is supported in finding the right path and making the move from military to civilian life as seamless as possible. Celebrating our centenary in 2020, we proudly expanded our services to include all ranks of the Armed Forces community. This expansion ensures that everyone can access our support, participate in our events, and benefit from the enduring sense of community, connection, and guidance that has been at the heart of OAS for over 100 years.
Our Team
Heather McVeigh Chief Executive
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.
Jo Maynard Head of Employment
Jo served as an officer in the Army for 16 years. Since leaving in 2012 she has worked in sales and marketing in the Middle East and a tree charity in Scotland! She started with OAS in Oct 2021.
Michelle Higgins- Business Development Manager
Using her background in defence and education, Michelle is eager to help veterans find their new career. Michelle is responsible for raising OAS’s profile through training and events.
Jane Burns – Comms and Engagement Lead
Jane is passionate about bringing people together through clear, meaningful storytelling that inspires connection and purpose. She is delighted to bring her skills to OAS.
Our Board
Chair of the Board – Suzanne Anderson
Susanne retired from the Army in 2021 after a distinguished career in the AGC culminating in the rank of Brigadier, holding a range of senior leadership and strategic management appointments.
As Chair, she brings extensive experience in governance, decision-making, and leadership, together with a strong commitment to supporting organisational development and long-term success.
David Goodacre Former Army officer, David is a self employed consultant. He is also Chair of the Board for the military charity, Bravehound.
David Brogan David is a former Army officer with the KOSB. He is now an experienced International Transformation, Transition and Change Director across an array of sectors and geographies.
Peter Henry Experienced executive search professional currently working in the Scottish market as the Managing Partner – Scotland at Odgers, one of the world’s leading executive search firms.
Tracy Thomson Award-winning Senior Talent Acquisition Partner with extensive experience delivering enterprise-wide, high-volume and specialist recruitment across regulated, complex organisations.
Alistair MacDonald Alistair has 30+ years of financial services experience primarily in international investment, working globally. With a son currently serving he is a great believer in support for veterans. Currently Chair of our Finance and Investment Committee
Liz McKinney Bennett Former army officer, Liz is now the Defence Strategy, Planning and Comms Lead at Mott MacDonald. Liz is a member of our Grants and Bursary Committee
Troy Johnson Former Royal Marine Commando, through unit posting in Artic Warfare unit, assault ship detachment and attached rank with SBS, Troy has pivoted the Commando Mindset to become an established Cyber Security Consultant with Accenture.
Sophie Mifsud Former army officer. Sophie is a Partnership Manager for Europe for Innovate UK; developing bilateral relationships across Europe and delivering support to innovative UK businesses looking to grow and scale internationally.
Duncan Harwood A former army officer who specialises in risk management, currently working as a corporate risk manager for the Care Quality Commission.
Stuart Currie A former Royal Navy officer who is now a Principal Consultant for Frazer Nash Consultancy. A huge advocate for military in business, currently leading on our Safeguarding and Audit Committee.
Click below to read our Annual Report & Accounts or our 2025-2030 Strategy
