MORE than 1,200 military veterans in Scotland affected by a historic ban against LGBT personnel have applied to a new compensation scheme worth up to £70,000.

The government announced the £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme in December to assist those who suffered discrimination before the ban was scrapped in 2000.

Lending her support, SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison has pledged to change regulations to ensure payments do not affect veterans’ other entitlements.

Ms Robison said: “Nothing will make up for the difficulties that LGBT veterans faced, however our action will ensure those in Scotland receive every penny that they are entitled to.”

Fighting with Pride charity chief executive Peter Gibson welcomed the pledge. he said: “As we slowly see the UK government deal with those financial payments, protected from benefit and taxation impact, it is wonderful to see the Scottish government taking action to ensure other benefits such as council tax benefit is also protected.

“We continue to seek out veterans who were discharged or dismissed from the military to support them.”