Inverness war veteran rows nearly 900 miles for Erskine Veterans Activity Centre in Forres
A war veteran from Inverness has rowed nearly 900 miles in aid of a new wellbeing centre.
John Baillie, 82, was recognised for his fundraising achievements at the Erskine Military Ball inaugural Erskine Ally Awards, most recently for the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC) in Forres.
He said: “I am honoured to receive such a prestigious award.
“I am privileged to be able to support those who have sacrificed their today for our freedom.
“The support I have received from the public has been astonishing and I thank everyone who has helped me raise funds for the new EVAC.”
The former staff sergeant 2/51 Highlands Volunteer served in the Adjutant General’s Corps, including three tours of Bosnia during the 1990s.
After returning to ‘Civvy Street’, he worked in security and delivery for a major supermarket brand.
John also combined his experience as a veteran, shop worker and fundraiser to raise awareness for Erskine. Over the years, he has also raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity.
Most recently he finished a Land’s End to John o’ Groats rowing challenge - virtually rowing the length of the Great Britain’s mainland since July. His 874-mile journey has seen him raise around £12,500 so far for the EVAC, due to open next month.
His previous challenge in 2022, rowing the Atlantic from Labrador to Ardnamurchan, raised £15k. This was the highest ever raised by a solo challenge event supporter at Erskine, taking the total he has earned to just under £30k.
He said: “I am very proud to have completed another exciting challenge for Erskine. Rowing from Lands’ End to John o’ Groats commemorated those who sacrificed so much at D-Day, giving their day for our tomorrow.
“The challenge was even more gruelling for me, as I had my kidney removed for cancer earlier this year.
“I do love a challenge though, and as always, our kind supporters recognised this.”
Erskine fundraising and development manager, Michael Parkes confirmed everyone at the charity is proud of John’s efforts.
He said: “He has been working tirelessly the last few months. Hundreds of people have enjoyed a chat with John at his rows in supermarkets across Highland and Moray.
“He has been a key part of our fundraising efforts, as Erskine look forward to supporting the veteran community across Moray and beyond at EVAC.”
