Matters of Interest

Five Minutes With Guy Cartwright, Trustee, Veterans' Foundation

April 01 2026

What inspired you to become a trustee of the Veterans' Foundation, and what stood out to you about its work?

I served in the Army and come from an Army family, so the armed forces community has always been important to me. When I was asked to join the Veterans Foundation as a trustee three years ago it felt like a natural way to stay connected and give back.

What really struck me was the impact. On the Grants Committee, you see the money raised and what it does. Sometimes it’s a modest grant, but to the organisation receiving it, it can be genuinely transformational. Being part of that is a real privilege.
Can you tell us a little about your background and career to date?

I served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, completing tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. After leaving the Army, I retrained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in Edinburgh, qualifying in 2010.

I then became Bursar at The Edinburgh Academy, involved in financial and strategic leadership during a period of change, including the move to co-education.

I am now CEO of the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh, the principal livery company in the city, with charitable interests in education, social housing and care of the elderly.
What is your role on the Board, and what are you most looking forward to?

I joined the Board three years ago and chair the Finance Audit and Risk Committee. My background naturally lends itself to financial governance, oversight and risk management.

What’s particularly exciting is the appointment of new trustees. Their experience and networks are impressive and with Jane and Stella also in place leading the Foundation, we are in a great position to move to the next stage.

Looking ahead, over the next 10 years I hope the Foundation continues to scale its support, adapt to the evolving needs of veterans, and leave the organisation stronger for the next generation of trustees, while maintaining real, life-changing impact.
What do you hope the Veterans' Foundation will achieve over the next few years?

I’d like to see it grow its reach and deepen its impact across the veterans’ community. As trustees, we are custodians of the organisation’s purpose. Strengthening governance, expanding partnerships and increasing measurable impact, while staying true to its founding spirit, will mean we’ve done our job.
What skills or experience do you feel you bring to the Board?

I bring two strands of experience. My military background gives me insight into the culture and values of the armed forces. My professional experience as a Chartered Accountant and in senior leadership allows me to support financial oversight and governance.

Originally asked to head up the Audit Committee, I now chair the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, helping ensure the Foundation grows in a measured and responsible way.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you’re not working?

I enjoy fly fishing and open water swimming whenever I can. Fishing has always meant a lot. I used to spend hours on the water with my father. There’s something special about being out in a boat or standing in a river, watching the world go by. You might not catch anything, but you’ve had a glorious day.

It’s less about the result and more about the space it gives you — time to pause, focus and see things differently. And occasionally, to bring home supper.
What does supporting veterans personally mean to you?

For me, it’s about loyalty and responsibility. Having served myself, I feel a connection to the armed forces that doesn’t disappear when someone leaves uniform. Supporting veterans is about making sure those who’ve given so much are properly looked after, especially during periods of transition or challenge.
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an outdoor swimmer and live by the beach, so the sea is only a short walk from my front door. In 2018, I did a major challenge swimming in the lochs of the Caledonian Canal and raised over £4,500 for Combat Stress.

Open water swimming is something I value enormously. It clears my head and allows me to bring everything back into perspective as well as being brilliant exercise.