Organisations supporting ex-service men and women in Scotland are set to receive a £600,000 funding boost over the next three years.

The Scottish Veterans Fund, which will open to applicants this autumn, provides funding for issues such as employability, housing, befriending and wellbeing.

Established in 2008, the fund has so far provided over £830,000 in funding and supported 125 projects that provide support to veterans leaving the armed forces.

The fund includes a three-year £240,000 contribution from Standard Life for employment schemes.

Veterans secretary Keith Brown said: "For the past eight years, the Scottish Government's Scottish Veterans Fund has been a source of help for projects that make a vital difference to people's lives.

"I am delighted to announce our largest contribution yet, with the fund to be supported by £360,000 Scottish Government money over three years.

"This will ensure it continues to help small, one-year projects - while, for the first time, applicants can bid for two or three-year funding for more strategic projects.

"I'm particularly grateful to Standard Life for their commitment, bringing the total available to £600,000 over three years.

"This investment will enable charities and other organisations to provide even more support to veterans leaving the armed forces and settling in Scotland each year."

Martin Gibson, chairman of Veterans Scotland welcomed the funding, citing its importance to helping veterans adjust to civilian life.

He said: "The veterans community is delighted with this very welcome ongoing Scottish Government commitment to the now enhanced Scottish Veterans Fund, which has been further bolstered by Standard Life's wish to support those leaving the services and their spouses in securing employment on their return to civilian life across Scotland."