Forres’ Erskine Veterans Activity Centre to invest National Lottery funding
A wellbeing centre in a historic Forres building has been awarded £20,000 for new equipment.
Owners, the Erskine veterans charity, will invest the grant from the National Lottery Community Fund in equipment for therapeutic and recreational activities for the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) in the former Victoria Hotel.
Erskine chief executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming, is grateful for the support.
He said: “The positive impact it will have is invaluable, allowing us to enhance the opportunities that we can provide.
“Our experience with the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre in Renfrewshire has shown how vital these services are for fostering well-being, friendship, and personal growth and thanks to this funding, we can extend these opportunities to veterans across Morayshire and the Highlands.”
EVACN is becoming a community hub, welcoming over 80 veterans in its first month alone. Through structured programmes, it provides tailored support to facilitate the transition from military service to civilian life.
The funding will also allow the centre to deliver activities designed to promote mental wellbeing, skill development, and social connection. Veterans will benefit from therapy sessions, model making, woodwork, pottery, art, genealogy, gardening and more.
Chairwoman of The National Lottery Community Fund, Kate Still, believes the initiative is transforming lives in communities across Scotland.
She finished: “This project is a fantastic example of how people can come together to support a shared cause. It demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive change they can bring to people’s lives.”
