Supporters stunned to be handed medals

Charity camps from all over Renfrewshire have been presented with a special gong for their tireless work in supporting Erskine.

The armed forces veterans’ charity’s 100 Heroes for 100 Year medals were presented to its staunchest supporters in recognition of its recent centenary.

Since 1916, Erskine has been housing and caring for the health of ex-servicemen and women at its base in Bishopton.

And funding and support for this has come in large part from people and organisations who raise both money and its profile on a daily basis.

Among those receiving the medals were the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal, Erskine Golf Club, Kilbarchan Pipe Band and its pipe major Brian Knight, long-term supporter John Paterson, from Linwood, and many others.

One of them is Heather Clissett, of Erskine, who organises a fundraising bikers meet every year.

An Erskine spokesman said: “Big congratulations to Heather Clissett, who was presented with a 100 Heroes for 100 Years Medal at the weekend for her dedication to fundraising for our veterans.

“Heather was given the medal at the 10th birthday party for Erskine Bikers Meet and Poker Run, which are organised wonderfully by Heather.

“She has been instrumental in taking the bikers event from strength to strength and we are all extremely grateful for her ongoing support and tireless devotion to Erskine.”

Medals were presented to Connal Cochrane, director of the Rangers Charity Foundation, and Colin Stewart, director of both Rangers Youth Development Co and Rangers Lotteries, in recognition of their support to veterans over many years.

The Erskine spokesman said: “Both men thought they were meeting Colin McPhail from our fundraising department to talk about fundraising, but instead they were surprised with the medals as a thank you for their support.

“One of the medals will be displayed in the Rangers FC trophy room.”

The Paisley Daily Express was also a recipient of a medal, in recognition of the many stories it has covered about the Erskine over many decades.

Express editor Cheryl McEvoy said: “We were honoured and delighted to receive this award — not to mention, taken by surprise.

“We have always been very happy to cover the marvellous work done Erskine.

“It is an organisation that truly deserves recognition.”

We were honoured and delighted to receive his award