Greenock Morton FC Welcome Erskine Veterans to Cappielow

Ahead of Remembrance Greenock Morton honoured our country’s Veterans by carrying the name of the Erskine Veterans Charity on their kit, for the match with Dunfermline at Cappielow, on Friday 3^rd November.

Once again in the spirit of honouring the country’s servicemen and women Veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Jim Boyland and Andy McEntee led the players on to the pitch. Both mascots Cappie the Cat and Arasgain were also in attendance.

Morton, the first professional Scottish football side to carry the name of a Veteran’s charity on its shirts,  ensured that Jim and Tams’ fellow Veterans were in attendance with a raft of complimentary tickets being made available to the charity.

Both Jim, and Andy, attend the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC) in Bishopton just one of several services Erskine offers, providing Veterans with the opportunity to learn new skills, explore a number of interests and access support services.

The shirt sponsorship was the inspiration of Morton director Ross Gourdie, himself a former RAF serviceman and a current representative of club sponsor Dalrada Technology UK. Ross’s influence, along with the backing of the Dalrada Group, made it possible for the away shirt sponsorship to be gifted to Erskine.

Ross said: “The charity is close to my heart, I spent nearly 10 years in the Royal Air Force, and I have always been aware of the fantastic work Erskine do. After visiting the village and getting to meet some of the excellent staff and volunteers, it was clear to see what a wonderful and caring environment they’ve created. I was very impressed with the help and support they provide to all their residents no matter what their age or military background."

Erskine Chief Executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, said: “Erskine Veterans and staff are delighted to attending Cappielow on Friday evening to watch match between Greenock Morton and Dunfermline. As one of the oldest senior Scottish clubs Greenock is very well known to our Veterans past and present and we are looking forward to a good game.”

Photography: Gary Bradley and David Bell

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 is the trading name of Erskine Hospital | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity SC006609