It’s lights on for Isobel

Ninety-nine-year-old Isobel Kirkwood switched the lights on the Tree of Honour at the home for ex-servicemen and women in Bishopton.

A tree like this takes pride of place in every Erskine home this Christmas during the annual light switch on.

The trees are decorated with ‘Stars of Honour’ and each one represents a loved one who is missing from family celebrations.

Erskine supporters send in their Purple Stars marked with personal messages in memory of someone special.

When the trees are full of stars the rest are displayed in the Field of a Thousand Stars at The Erskine Home in Bishopton or within the charity’s four care homes.

At Bishopton there was a candlelight procession through the Veterans’ Village led by Pony Major Cpl Mark Williamson and Cpl Cruachan IV, Regimental Mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

They were joined by pupils from Erskine’s Bargarran Primary School, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and had mus i c f rom Kilbarchan Pipe Band.

Chaplin Graham Morrison conducted a short service which included a dedication of the tree before Scottish musician Alastair McDonald sang and led everyone in the singing of Christmas carols.

Erskine chief executive Ian Cumming said: “Our Tree of Honour services are a moving start to the Christmas season and offer us the opportunity to remember those service men and women who will be missing from celebrations at this special time of year.

“For our veterans, those reflections are very personal as they remember colleagues who didn’t come home.

“Special thanks to Central Car Auctions for their long- term sponsorship commitment in support of our veterans.”

Central Car Auctions chairman Jonathan Miller said the company was delighted to support Erskine’s Tree of Honour.

“It is a special event that celebrates the festive spirit at Erskine,” he said.

“We are pleased to support the charity.”