Former Chair of SSAFA Fife Branch passes away

05 May 2026

Colleagues in SSAFA Fife Branch are saddened to share news of the death of Major (Ret’d) George Givens.

George joined SSAFA as a caseworker in 2013 and had completed more than 200 cases before stepping up as Branch Chair six years later, supporting innumerable serving personnel, veterans, and families in their time of need.

George also took part in SSAFA fundraising events like the Kiltwalk, raising several thousands of pounds during his 12-year tenure.

He was recognised with SSAFA’s highest honour, the Sir James Gildea Global Award, in 2024, which was presented by SSAFA President His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent. George also saw a parliamentary motion lodged in his honour the same year, acknowledging his exceptional commitment to SSAFA and the Armed Forces community in Fife.

George’s SSAFA career followed three decades as a soldier, where he served with the Queen’s Own Highlanders and completed operational tours in Northern Ireland and the Gulf.

On retiring from military life George spent 17 years working as a Practice Manager for NHS Fife, during which time he also helped found the Edinburgh Branch of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Association.

Walter Gallacher, SSAFA’s Scotland Regional Chair and Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee, said: “George was a dedicated and valued volunteer and as kind, thoughtful, and generous a person as you could hope to meet. He will be much missed within the SSAFA family and wider veteran community. George changed the lives of many for the better. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”