Explosive disposal Thornhill-based charity contract gets extended by UK Government
More than £7 million was granted.
Last updated 22nd Jan 2025
The HALO Trust in Thornhill will be able to continue its work in war zones removing deadly explosives following extended support from the UK Government.
International Development Officer Anneliese Dodds visited the Scottish demining charity’s headquarters this morning.
During her visit, she announced the UK Government will fund more than £7 million which will enable the life-saving charity to continue its work in Ukraine and Afghanistan.
£250,000 was also given to a HALO programme which will see the disposal of 165 tons of “unserviceable and unsafe ammunition and explosives” in Somaliland.
Minister Dodds also participated in demining training where she could see and experience first-hand what HALO does.
“It was really interesting to see quite how difficult that work was and how important it is to try and keep those engaged in this safe because they’re really doing potentially dangerous stuff, but I was really impressed by all that the HALO Trust does.
“To see for myself some of the technology that’s deployed by HALO Trust how exactly they have to work – really methodically, painstakingly through lands that include mines - and of course hearing about the terrible impacts of those mines on people as well - killing them and maiming them, holding back local economies, particularly farming and children - it was really great to have seen that for myself.”
Women in the Ukraine and Syria branches spoke with Dodds on a conference call and were able to showcase what they do and what difference the funding makes to thousands of lives.
“I really was fascinated to see the work that is undertaken by the HALO Trust. To speak directly with people who are in demining communities and land in Syria and Ukraine was incredibly powerful.
‘Really moving to speak with the woman’
“One of them talked about the fact as a mum, now if children say to her ‘I think I’ve seen something that could be dangerous’, she can immediately deal with that.
“Unfortunately, that is one of the terrible tragedies about mines. They can often look quite attractive to children so the fact that we have that expertise engaged is incredibly important but also, it’s positive for those women because this is an economic activity that enables them to be able to support their families as well.”
She adds, “HALO is a world leader in demining and the UK Government is committed to helping communities torn apart by conflict to rebuild their lives, including by freeing up land so it can be farmed and helping people to return safely to their communities.
“The companies working with HALO are making a real contribution to some of the most vulnerable communities on earth – and in doing so are creating jobs and driving growth in Scotland, which I’m pleased to support as part of the government’s Plan for Change.”
Ruth Jackson, the Chief Strategy Officer at the HALO Trust, says today was a good opportunity to showcase their work.
“This morning, we were able to dial in Ukraine and Syrian colleagues to talk about the actual impact of our work and the experience of working with the HALO Trust. So, it allows them (UK Government) to understand what we do and how we do our work.
Demonstration "brings to life" what Government is funding
“We were able to demonstrate our mine clearance activities outside with our PPE – our protective equipment – and a metal detector, so it just brings to life what the UK Government is funding.”
She adds the money they’ve been given will go a long way.
“This particular funding announcement is focused on three of our programmes: Afghanistan, Somaliland and Ukraine.
“Across Ukraine and Afghanistan, it’s our core humanity mine action clearance work so it’s clearing explosive remnants of war that can lead to injury or death.
“For Somaliland, the funding is going to support the distraction of weapons and ensure safe storage of potential explosive items.”
She concluded the visit was a success.