Scottish veterans mark 5 years of making road and railway signs

Veterans across Scotland who've swapped a career in the armed forces for making road and railway signs are being praised for 5 years of hard work in Bishopton.

Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company employs those who've served in the forces and their close family members.

"I used to be very active"

James Smith lost both of his legs while on a tour in Afghanistan in 2010 and joined three years ago.

He told Clyde 1: "My vehicle was blown up and I was the worst injured in the vehicle and as the commander, I felt slightly better that my fellow comrades were not as hurt.

"But it still didn't help my own situation.

"I used to be very active before and then I had to accept I can't go out running anymore."

He was also a stay-at-home dad for five years and struggled to settle back into civilian life and get a job.

James added: "I used to sit in a room by myself and this place has forced me out of my comfort zone and get talking to other comrades.

"We can say some rude things, we can say some nice things, but we all understand each other."

The social enterprise has a turnover of £1.8m annually.

"This place has given me the strength to move on with my life"

A report by Forces in Mind Trust showed that veterans in Scotland were experiencing a higher level of deprivation than veterans in the rest of the UK.

Neil McPhail served in the Scots Guard for four years and battled with an alcohol problem.

He has now been sober for five years and is a team leader.

He said: "I am now in a stable relationship and I strongly believe that without Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company just being there, I wouldn't be here today.

"This place has given me the strength to move on with my life."

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