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Support from a football foundation is changing people’s lives, a Scottish Government minister has claimed.

Keith Brown, Scotland’s work secretary, met with Rangers Charity Foundation director Connal Cochrane and praised the foundation's veterans’ and employability programmes.

Brown was given an overview of the foundation before spending time speaking with participants on the Glasgow Veterans United (GVU) programme, a 12-week course run in partnership with Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, in the Rangers Community Hub.

Participants told him the lure of coming to Ibrox each week was crucial in getting them involved in the first place and that they had enjoyed the camaraderie of the group.

Some shared stories of how the programme had helped them work through issues such as PTSD and problems in their personal lives.

Brown said: “I meet a lot of veterans and the proof of the value of these programmes is always what the veterans themselves think of it. They obviously value what is being offered to them here and the experience they’ve had has made a big difference to their lives, which is the best testimony to the work that’s being done here.

“This is clearly a safe place where veterans can come and identify with each other, a place where they are not being judged.”

Glasgow Veterans United aims to improve the wellbeing of veterans who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction, social isolation and other problems associated with returning to civilian life.

Cochrane added: “The impact the programme has on many of the veterans is staggering and I was delighted that the cabinet secretary got to see that at first hand today.”