Thorntons signs up to Armed Forces Covenant

Dundee-based legal firm Thorntons has signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant, claiming to be the first Scottish law firm to do so.

The covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. Signing it commits Thorntons to support the country’s servicemen and women however it can and to ensure no member of the armed forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.

Edinburgh-based partner Christian Melville, a former captain in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and a UK director and charity trustee of Combat Stress, said he was keen for Thorntons to show its support.

He commented: “We are proud to be one of the many UK businesses and the first Scottish law firm to sign the covenant and pledge our support to the armed forces.

“The wide variety of vital frontline abilities which veterans and reservists are trained in such as negotiation, leadership and team building can be an invaluable asset in the day-to-day workplace, and it’s important for businesses to provide a helping hand to them as they apply those skills in the best way possible.”

Group Captain Dai John, who co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, added: “We are absolutely delighted that by signing the Armed Forces Covenant Thorntons has demonstrated its commitment to the armed forces community.

“The involvement of such a well-known and respected firm can only help to raise the profile of our regular and reserve forces across Scotland, and stands to contribute significantly to ensuring that those who serve, have served, and their families, are valued and face no disadvantage compared with other citizens."