Erskine Veterans Charity has launched an audacious appeal to source a tank or aircraft to display within its Veterans Village in Renfrewshire.
The charity is aiming to honour its residents with an eye-catching tribute, which would take centre stage at the entrance to their grounds in Bishopton.
Whether it’s an imposing tank, an awe-inspiring aircraft, or even a naval anchor, Erskine is on the hunt for a centre piece, which it hopes will thrill both residents and visitors alike to the Village.
As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine Veterans Charity provides unrivalled nursing, residential and dementia care in three homes throughout Scotland.
The charity also assists younger Veterans who need help to begin the next chapter of their lives, offering social, recreation and training facilities at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre and employment opportunities in partnership with Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. The Veterans Village in Bishopton has 44 cottages for Veterans and their families as well as five Assisted Living Apartments and 23 Transitional Supported Accommodation Apartments – supporting Veterans of all ages, from those that served in WWII up until the present day.
The appeal has been launched as Erskine begins its countdown to this year’s 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6th.
Gordon Stevenson, Deputy Head of Marketing and Communications at Erskine, said: “At Erskine, we are always keen to honour our Veterans in any possible way. We know this is an audacious effort, but we believe a tribute of this scale would bring great joy to our all of our residents and catch the eye of the many visitors through our gates.
“We are reaching out to the local community, businesses, and individuals who may have access to or knowledge about available former aircraft or military vehicles suitable for display. Whether retired from active service or in need of restoration, nothing is off limits. We believe that each piece has its own unique story to tell and can help us contribute to honouring our Veterans’ unwavering dedication to our Forces.
“Basically, if anyone knows where to get a tank, please get in touch!”
For more information, please contact Gordon Stevenson on media@erskine.org.uk
Headline image: Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank
Photo Credit: Duncan Campbell / UK MOD – Crown copyright 2023