THE Church of Scotland is strengthening its commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly, is signing the covenant at Edinburgh Castle tonight.

He said the church is committed to supporting military chaplains who serve in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and ministering to “everyone wherever they are to be found and whatever their needs”.

The covenant represents a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

Signing it is not an endorsement of defence policy, and the church said its ability to challenge the UK Government on any aspect of it will not be impinged.

The covenant states: “We recognise the value serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our organisation and our country.

“Therefore we, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will endeavour in our business and charitable dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.”

There are around 260,000 veterans in Scotland, almost 6% of the population.

When families are added to the number, the Armed Forces community represents almost one in 10 of the country’s people.

The principles of the covenant are that no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen and that in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate.