A housing facility for ex-UK Armed Forces personnel in Dundee will today officially open a new commemoration garden to honour the generosity of the Kyd family who bequeathed the home to support the nation’s military veterans.

The event, at Scottish Veterans Residences’ (SVR) Rosendael facility in Broughty Ferry, also marks the poignant anniversary of the death of the family’s relative, Frank Proctor Kyd, who died in the Battle of the Somme a century ago on this day.

Second Lieutenant Frank Proctor Kyd was a Dundee native who served with the East Surrey Regiment in the First World War. His death, along with thousands of other Scottish soldiers in the Great War, had a profound impact on the Kyd family who gifted their Broughty Ferry home to the charity in 1932.

Since that time Rosendael has been used to provide unique and unrivalled residential accommodation for ex-service men and women of all ages. Through this site and additional housing facilities in Edinburgh and Glasgow, SVR supports around 200 UK military veterans and their spouses each year across Scotland.

The new commemoration garden was created after consultation with residents at Rosendael who were asked how they wanted to mark the centenary of Frank Proctor Kyd’s death. The new development will provide them with a quiet and secure space to embark on gardening activity or simply enjoy the peaceful sanctuary it will provide.

Attending today’s commemoration ceremony will be SVR CEO, Group Captain Phil Cox.

He said: “Today’s opening of the new contemplation garden is being held in remembrance of the thousands who died in the Battle of the Somme, including Frank Proctor Kyd, and the generosity of his family who bequeathed their beautiful home for the shelter and support of the UK’s military veterans.

“The new garden will add some real colour to the lives of our residents at Rosendael and provide a much-needed peaceful haven for them. Many of our veterans struggle with depression and anxiety which makes this garden a much welcome addition to the excellent facilities which are currently on offer to provide support for those who need it.”