Monty's story

William Montgomerie, aged 61 of North Ayrshire, served 35 years in the forces, beginning his career aged just 15 at the Scottish Infantry Depot in the Bridge of Don before moving onto the 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. 

His service took him to Germany and Cyprus, as well as tours of Northern Island. He finished his service in 1977 and joined the Territorial Army as part of the 23rd Special Air Service Regiment (Reserve). 

But he was forced to retire early from service with the Territorial Army, and from his civilian job as a Firefighter at Prestwick International Airport, after suffering a blow to the head by an aircraft door which caused a brain injury, mental health problems, and subsequently a series of heart attacks. 

William joined Sight Scotland Veterans in 2017 (when the charity was known by its former name, Scottish War Blinded). 

“I was only 43 and I was forced to stop working and to retire from service,” said William who is known as Monty to his friends. “It was a very dark time. I became very depressed, in part as a direct result of the head injury, and in part because I felt that I was no longer of any use to society. I had gone from working and having the camaraderie and companionship of the TA to being on my own. The injury also caused me to have flashbacks of the things I’d seen in service – it felt like my head was a malfunctioning junction box. 

“I have glaucoma which is stable for now. Before I joined Scottish War Blinded, I had carers and help, but I live alone so I was completely alone for most of the time – my family and friends are mostly abroad. I was receiving help but that stopped due to cuts. I fell through the net and I was very depressed. 

“The biggest danger of loneliness is how it makes you feel about yourself. The reality is that you might only speak to your Alexa device for days at a time – wishing her a Merry Christmas and no-one else. It can make you feel suicidal. 

You’re thinking to yourself, ‘what’s the real reason I’m here? What is the point of my life’. I think it’s something a lot of lonely people have to deal with at the moment.”

William began attending our activity hub in Paisley, the Hawkhead Centre, after it opened in October 2017. 

He said: “It has changed my life. Having people to socialise with and activities to do makes a real difference and you take that feeling home with you and it lasts you through the week. I miss the camaraderie and feeling of family of being in the forces and I have found that here. It was like coming home for me. 

“I think looking after your mental health has a big effect on your body too. I still have symptoms of angina but my heart feels happier and I feel better in myself. 

“It has been great being at the centre from the start because we’ve all gelled so well together, the staff and the members. And we’ve a lot to learn from the staff – but they listen to us too. We’ve got a lot of collective knowledge and the people here have experienced a lot in life so they take our advice.”