A DUNFERMLINE man has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to a charity founded in his brother’s memory.

Gary Seath, the brother of Captain David Seath and the founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, has been named the winner of the prestigious Reservist of the Year Award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

He received the award in recognition of his charitable work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes and Forces Children Scotland, whilst also being an active member of 105th Regiment (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) Royal Artillery.

“It is a huge honour to have received this award," he said. "But I want to recognise five further exceptional finalists who have achieved incredible things, having made the transition from military to civilian life to realise their potential and thrive across many sectors.

“It meant so much to receive an award from the armed forces community, having worked for many years in the third sector supporting veterans as well as their children and young people, through my work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes and Forces Children Scotland.”

Not only has Gary secured and managed over £1million in funding to co-develop projects and services to support 12,500 children from Armed Forces and veteran families, but he founded a charity in memory of his brother, who tragically passed away while running the London Marathon seven years ago. The Memorial Fund has now raised £350,000 to support veterans through Help for Heroes.

He has also served in F Troop, 212 (Highland) Battery, 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (RA) for four years, following in the footsteps of his brother David, who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East with distinction with 19 Regiment RA and 29 Commando RA, respectively.

“Being a reservist in 105th Regiment RA has expanded my horizons in many ways," said Gary. "I have gained many memorable experiences which have served to develop new skills, build a unique sense of confidence, and forge many new connections.

“I consider it a huge honour to be part of the Army Reserve, which is something much bigger than myself, and 105 RA is somewhere you are accepted, respected and encouraged to push beyond comfort zones in order to realise potential and thrive.”

Read more: Big turn out for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K

Nominated for the award by Forces Children Scotland, the charity's chief executive officer Laura Falconer said: “Gary’s work at Forces Children Scotland has been exemplary; from the minute he joined the charity, he has worked with incredible passion and dedication to help improve the lives of children and young people from armed forces and veteran families across Scotland.

“Gary’s role carries significant responsibility and delivers work to an exceptionally high standard of professionalism. The fact he does so to such a high standard alongside his reservist commitments is remarkable; I have never worked with such a dedicated team member. We’re delighted Gary has received such well-deserved recognition.”

Lieutenant Colonel Huw Gilbert, Commanding Officer of the 105 Regiment RA, added: "Gary Seath is thoroughly deserving of this award. Reservists' military and civilian roles are often complimentary of one another. Gary’s contribution over such a wide spectrum i,s however, truly outstanding."

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday, April 18, the Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of ex-military personnel who have transitioned into careers beyond the military – recognising the real value veterans add to businesses and their employers, who support the transition of service people across Scotland so proudly.

The event saw 13 winners awarded the respected award from over 300d nominations – nominations from far and wide across Scotland, all vying to honour their employees for demonstrating immense value that they, within the Armed Forces community, add to their employers across all sectors.