Jump in the Erskine time-machine and look back at the famous faces to visit our Veterans

Since Erskine Veterans Charity opened its doors over a century ago, dozens of celebrities have delighted in meeting the Veterans of Erskine.

For the most part, our Veterans have remained unmoved by the glitz and glamour of their famous visitors – remaining their genial selves, happy to welcome their famous visitors whilst keeping their feet firmly on the ground….after all there aren’t many who can best the stories of the country’s war heroes.

Ewan McGregor

Of the many memorable visits over the years, there have been few bigger names than Ewan McGregor.

It was 2007 when the Hollywood star asked if he could visit. As one of the most critically acclaimed actors of his generation, portrayer of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first three Star Wars episodes, Scotland’s very own Ewan McGregor was never to be denied a visit.

Ewan and his team were met by the Veterans, their families and staff when he arrived leading a convoy of motorcycles. One Veteran commented “very like the Steve McQueen scene in the Great Escape”.

The comment was very apt as Ewan even met Alex Lees, who knew all about the Great Escape, as he had been an RAF service man imprisoned in the infamous Stalag Luft III during the escape of 76 Allied airmen in March 1944. To this day the escape remains one of history’s most famous prison breaks. Alex was more than happy to chat of his memories as the gardener tasked with disposing of the dirt coming from Tunnels Tom Dick and Harry as they were being dug out!   

Queen Elizabeth II

Heading further back in time to 20 September 1967, the late Queen Elizabeth II was on her way to christen the new ship The Queen Elizabeth II in Clydebank. She and HRH Prince Philip stopped at the gates of the Erskine Hospital and it was a moment in Erskine’s history that has never been forgotten as she was the first reigning monarch to visit Erskine.

HRH Prince Charles

HRH Prince Charles, as he was then, first visited the Erskine Hospital in 1979. He unveiled a plaque commemorating the gift of an X-ray unit, costing some £30,000, from the Army Benevolent Fund, as well as spending time with many Veterans. On his return visit in 1981 he astonished staff and veterans alike by recalling the names and war service of some of the Veterans he had met two years ago.

 Sporting stars

Other “weill kent” faces to have made their way to Erskine have included many from the sporting world. Top of the list being the Scottish National Football team, who when staying at the charity’s former home, Mar Hall, always made sure to make time for the residents. 

Boxer Frank Bruno was a big hit with Veterans. His kindness in returning hours after his visit to present a resident with signed copy of his book has never been forgotten. The resident in question remarking: “I couldn’t believe it when he knocked on my door”.

Judy Murray popped in with Rachel Riley when Erskine was awarded a Lottery and to the delight of residents sat and chatted, not in any rush to leave.

And our very own Paralympian, Erskine ambassador Scott Meenagh is a regular visitor and of course footballing legends from clubs such as Rangers, Celtic, St Mirren, Greenock Morton and Partick Thistle, and Clydebank FC to name but a few.

World of television

From the world of TV, topping the list is our very own Erskine ambassador, Mike Edwards OBE who visited almost every home in Scotland at teatime for over 30 years as the senior reporter with STV. Mike had been visiting Erskine for many years in a professional capacity and it seems only fitting that on his retirement he was invited to be, not only a Trustee, but also an Erskine Ambassador.

Actors such as Robson Green, famous for his role of Fusilier Dave Tucker the drama series Soldier, Soldier set a few hearts fluttering as he took time out of his busy schedule in 1999 to record an appeal for Erskine as well as spend an afternoon with the Veterans. Robson is pictured with Royal Navy Veteran Gladys Clark.

From the early days entertainers such as Sir Harry Lauder, Jimmy Logan, The Alexander Brothers, Stanley Baxter, Eileen McCallum, and the cast of “Take the High Road” and “River City” always made time for Erskine. Jimmy Logan is pictured in full flow.

Francie and Josie had residents and staff “in kinks” as one member of staff recalled. However, when Rikki Fulton arrived as “Supercop” to present Mrs Margaret McLeery with her 50-year Long Service Award he certainly went down in Erskine history. Rikki is pictured on another visit just as himself.

Sydney Devine

Singers who could get the room singing as one and even having a wee dance? Well, Scotland’s very own Sydney Devine did just that, as did, and still does, the ever-popular Christian.

Christian is loved by all and can often be found singing his heart out in our various homes.

Miss Scotland

One Valentine’s Day a very glamorous Miss Scotland, Katharine Brown, popped in to steal a Valentines kiss from a lucky Veteran. The wonderful RAF Veteran Joe Parker, sadly no longer with us, was first in line – he was walking on Cloud 9 for the rest of the day! 

It was one of many times Katharine visited Erskine having laid a wreath at the Armistice Day Service, as well as attending the Erskine Military Ball.

Charlie Dimmock

In 2010 and then again in 2012, Erskine welcomed one of the country’s best known and loved horticulturalists, Charlie Dimmock.

Charlie met with Veterans and conducted gardening master classes. Her smile was infectious and everyone she met was bowled over by her friendliness. Not a quick visit either Charlie arrived early morning and stayed until late afternoon. As she left, Veterans presented her with an Erskine goody bag in which was a branded fleece. Viewers of TV show Garden Rescue, sometimes catch her wearing her much loved Erskine fleece.

There are so many more visits we could mention. These short highlights do not begin to encapsulate how much our visitors, no matter how famous, have left Erskine having been enthralled by the captivating recollections of the Veterans.

However we don't all have to be celebrities to support Erskine. Every year thousands of people choose to support Scotland's largest Veterans charity to help support the fantastic work of caring for the Veteran Community. 

If you feel you would like to support the work of Erskine Veterans Charity 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.

Thank you.