The guidance, which will come into effect on February 29, has been issued to health boards to ensure that all veterans receive the same priority access as war pensioners.  

Sturgeon said it was “only fair” that those who experience health problems as a result of service to their country should get priority access to treatment, adding, "Our service men and women do a fantastic job and I hope that the new measures to improve support for them will be warmly welcomed." 

Ron Smith, chair of Veterans Scotland, welcomed the guidance saying: 

"The veterans community in Scotland welcomes the willingness of the Scottish Government to engage with us to determine the most pragmatic way of implementing and monitoring the success of this new and much-needed policy, which is no more and no less than the country's recognition of its debt owed to Armed Forces veterans across Scotland." 

The guidance is available here