Construction to begin on new Veterans centre in Forres

Erskine, Scotland’s foremost Veterans charity, has announced that construction is to begin on the transformation of the Victoria Hotel in Forres, marking the start of a new era for Veteran support in the Northeast.

This building is to become the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC), a hub of activity and support for Veterans and their families.

Construction work, led by Simpson Builders, starts on 15 May, and is expected to be completed within 20 weeks. The project will modernise and revitalise the building, ensuring its future as a cornerstone of Veteran community engagement.

Erskine Veterans Charity provides unrivalled nursing, residential and dementia care throughout Scotland. It also assists younger Veterans who need help to begin the next chapter of their lives, offering social, recreation and training facilities at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC).

ERMAC, which the new facility in Forres will be modelled on, opened six years ago and now has 200 members. It enhances wellbeing, providing the opportunity to engage with people who have shared experiences and history, learn new skills, explore interests, and access support services.

Attendees enjoy sports and recreation, music, films, lunch, and relaxation. Help is also available in computing, woodwork, arts, and health.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said: "We are incredibly excited to begin this transformation. The establishment of the Veterans Activity Centre is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Veterans and their families.

“We believe that providing a dedicated space for Veterans to come together, access support services, and engage in various activities will greatly benefit the surrounding community and honour the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

“We are committed to minimising the impact of construction and are grateful for the community's continued support and understanding."

The renovation plans include the installation of scaffolding and a temporary closure of the existing hotel car park from 14 May. Scheduled work hours are from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. To maintain the project timeline, Erskine is seeking permission to extend work into Bank Holidays, although Sundays will remain work-free.

For Veterans interested in joining EVAC, please contact Regional Manager EVAC Service Debs Dickson at debra.dickson@erskine.org.uk for more information or visit our website on www.erskine.org.uk.

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU