HOMES FOR WAR HEROES
Erskine to build ‘veterans’ village’ for younger, single ex-service personnel
A VETERANS’ village is to be built so Scotland’s latest generation of war heroes don’t end up on the streets.
Erskine have revealed plans for 24 apartments for single ex-servicemen and women of working age on the charity’s estate at Bishopton, Renfrewshire.
Residents will have access to support services provided by Erskine.
News of the plan comes after the Record revealed that thousands of Scots veterans face sleeping rough.
Erskine chief executive Steve Conway said the new apartments will “help address the shortage of affordable accommodation in the area”.
There are already 44 family cottages on the estate.
Conway added: “We envisage a true veterans’ village which will support many more veterans, enabling them to access advice, accommodation and employment.”
Each single apartment will have a double bedroom, living room, en-suite shower room and kitchen. There will also be a communal recreation and TV area.
Some of those who move into the homes will work at a new social enterprise factory for ex-service personnel that is opening on the estate in June.
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company will make rail and road signs, recycle wood products and provide print and mail and fulfilment services.
Conway said: “The apartments, along with the potential to work in Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company or access advice and comradeship in our activity centre, will mean we are able to offer ex-service personnel the very best opportunity to establish themselves in civvy street while living in a veterans’ community of people with similar backgrounds.”