Erskine Veteran Activity Centres appoint Military Cross winner Roy Geddes as Forres and Bishopton manager
A Military Cross awardee has been appointed to lead Scotland’s two wellbeing centres for service personnel and their families - including one in Forres.
Erskine veterans Charity, Scotland’s leading veterans charity, has appointed RAF veteran, Roy Geddes MC, as regional manager for the Erskine Veterans Activity Centres here and in Bishopton, just outside Glasgow.
Erskine chief executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, welcomed the appointment.
He said: “Roy strengthens the bridge between Erskine’s frontline care and the growing community we support. His leadership will help activity centres expand across Scotland.”
Roy, 55, was awarded the Military Cross for bravery and leadership under fire during a 2012 Taliban raid on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. He commanded the Off Base Quick Reaction Force that repelled a major insurgent assault on the UK’s largest base. Despite being wounded, he successfully extracted his men before returning to re-engage the enemy.
His account of the six-hour battle was later published in ‘Into The Darkness: Contact Right’.
Following his RAF career, Roy continued public service, working with Moray Council in community development and refugee resettlement.
He remains a warrant officer within the RAF Reserve.
He said: “Erskine’s work is extraordinary. I look forward to building on the fantastic foundation already in place.”
Erskine has supported veterans of all ages since 1916. It plans to roll-out more activity centres across the country. The hubs meet the needs of local veteran communities, offering resources, peer support and tailored well-being programmes. With activities ranging from sports and recreation to arts and mental health initiatives, veterans connect, learn new skills, and find renewed purpose after service.
Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (North) in Forres has welcomed more than 500 members since opening in December.
For more information, visit https://www.erskine.org.uk/get-support/our-activity-centres/erskine-veterans-activity-centre-north/