We are delighted to have awarded a grant of £150,000 to our long-standing partners at Erskine, which provides person-centred care for veterans and their families in Scotland.

The Army Benevolent Fund provides support for soldiers, for life. A cornerstone of our work since we were founded in 1944 is ensuring that elderly veterans have the care they need, long after service has ended.  

Our grant will help meet the costs of long-term residential, nursing, and palliative care to 86 Army veterans living in The Erskine Home, Bishopton. Erskine is the only charity in Scotland providing care homes exclusively for veterans and their spouses. Its residents have an average age of 86 and around 70% live with a dementia diagnosis.  

Our support helps Erskine provide veterans with social opportunities and enhanced care such as physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. Access to a busy programme of events and activities – from swing bands to wheelchair football – helps prevent residents from feeling isolated and improves their wellbeing. 

Commenting on the donation, Erskine’s Chief Executive, Ian Cumming MBE, said: 

“I would like to sincerely thank the Trustees of the Army Benevolent Fund for this incredible grant and their long-term support for Erskine’s Army veterans and spouses. We are very proud of the care that our dedicated staff provide at The Erskine Home, Bishopton to ensure our elderly and disabled residents can enjoy the best quality of life and regular interaction with their fellow veterans. In these challenging financial times, our charity continues to deliver a high standard of care while also remaining focused on the long-term sustainability of our services. We are privileged to support so many Army veterans and their spouses and will continue to do so thanks to this incredible support from the Army Benevolent Fund – thank you all again.” 

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added: “We are delighted to award Erskine with a grant to help former soldiers who are residents in its care homes in Scotland. The Army Benevolent Fund is here to provide lifelong support for those who have served their country. Thanks to Erskine’s expert care, Army veterans resident in the charity’s homes are able to live with independence and dignity in their final years.” 

To find out more about Erskine, visit their website here.