Erskine has announced the appointment of Stuart Aitkenhead, as its new Chairman.

Stuart has succeeded Robin Crawford in the role following his five year term at the helm.

Stuart, 60, has more than 30 years’ experience in facilities and operational management across a wide range of industry sectors. He is a Chartered Engineer by profession, and a Fellow of the Instituition of Mechanical Engineers. Most recently, Stuart spent over a decade with Babcock International based at HM Naval Base (Clyde) at Faslane, where he helped support the Royal Navy.

Originally appointed as a Trustee to the Erskine board in 2012, Stuart’s vast experience in Facilities Management has been pivotal to the development of the charity over the past nine years. He then became Vice-Chair of the board in 2017.

The military remains close to his heart, with his father having served in Second World War, and his grandfather a First World War veteran.

Stuart said: “It is a great privilege to succeed Robin Crawford as Chairman of this exceptional charity. I have seen first-hand the fantastic work carried out by all members of staff and I am honoured to have been appointed to this new role.

“This is a time of significant change and challenge in the social care and charity sectors. I’m looking forward to working in partnership with the Board, CEO Ian Cumming, all staff and volunteers -  to meet those challenges, as we work together to shape Erskine’s future.”

Erskine Chief Executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE said: “As we bid farewell to our excellent former-Chairman, Robin Crawford, I am delighted to see Stuart Aitkenhead take up the reins. Stuart brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Board and he will doubtless take the opportunity to apply his own perspectives to all aspects of what we do.” I am very much looking forward to continuing to work together, as we seek to meet the changing needs of Veterans, much more widely across Scotland.