By Taylor Murray
Copyright dailyrecord
Erskine Veterans Charity has appointed a decorated RAF veteran as regional manager for its veterans activity centres (EVACs) across Scotland. Roy Geddes is said to bring distinguished service experience and community leadership to the role. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery and leadership under fire during the 2012 Taliban raid on Camp Bastion, in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, when he commanded the Off Base Quick Reaction Force that repelled a major insurgent assault on the UK’s largest base. Despite being wounded, the 55-year-old successfully extracted his men before returning to re-engage with the enemy. His account of the six-hour battle was later published in ‘Into The Darkness: Contact Right’. Following his regular RAF career, Roy continued his public service in the Highlands by working with Moray Council in community development and refugee resettlement. He remains a warrant officer within the RAF Reserve. Erskine, which has been supporting veterans of all ages since 1916, currently has activity centres in Renfrewshire and Moray with plans to roll out further sites across the country. The hubs are tailored to meet the specific needs of local veteran communities and offer essential resources, peer support and tailored wellbeing programmes designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans. With activities ranging from sports and recreation to arts and mental health initiatives, the centres provide a welcoming environment where veterans of all ages can connect, learn new skills and find renewed purpose in their lives after service. “I’m honoured to join Erskine at such a vital time for the veteran community,” Roy said. “The charity’s work is extraordinary. It provides not only care but also purpose and belonging for veterans of all ages. “I look forward to working with the team and our veterans to build on the fantastic foundation already in place.” Roy’s appointment comes as Erskine marks the rapid success of its newest veterans activity centre in Forres, Moray, which has welcomed more than 500 members since opening last December. Erskine supports around 1,000 ex-servicemen and women each year across its care homes in Veterans Village in Bishopton and community-based services. Its activity centres in Bishopton and Forres bring veterans together to develop skills, regain confidence and forge lifelong friendships. Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine chief executive, welcomed Roy’s appointment. He said: “Roy has lived experience of the armed forces, proven leadership under extraordinary circumstances and a deep commitment to community service. “His appointment strengthens the bridge between Erskine’s frontline care and the growing veteran community we support. We are confident his leadership will help our activity centres expand across Scotland and continue to thrive.” Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
