This is home for me

Scottish charity Erskine began its journey as a hospital for limbless veterans. Today, its purpose-built campus offers a care home, assisted living, and independent living options.

For much of the early twentieth century, the cacophony from the shipyards along the River Clyde would drift to the quieter Kilpatrick Hills, where a different kind of revolution was underway. The shipyards were producing a significant portion of the world’s vessels and Britain’s naval fleet during WWI. Meanwhile, just six miles downriver, similar skills were being used to aid wounded soldiers returning from the battlefields of Europe.

The sight of men returning with amputations and PTSD was a national shock. In response, the west of Scotland established a pioneering hospital for limbless veterans. Erskine Hospital, situated by the Clyde, provided a charitable pathway for medical treatment and helped veterans reintegrate into their families and society.

The first Limbless Veterans branch (which would eventually become Blesma) reportedly began in a room above a Glasgow pub. Erskine’s founding principles resonate with Blesma’s ethos to this day: supporting veterans in their recovery and helping them lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Erskine has moved from its original premises, the baronial Erskine House gifted by a Glaswegian philanthropist, to a modern campus with a care home, assisted living apartments, and 44 cottages for independent living. Today, over 800 residents benefit from its facilities and support each year.

The facility currently houses four Blesma Members, but many more have experienced Erskine’s care. Chief Executive Ian Cumming MBE describes the organization as having a strong heritage and a modern purpose.

“Erskine was created as a response to Scotland witnessing its sons being physically and mentally shattered by industrial-scale warfare,” he says. “There wasn’t enough medical or prosthetic support for the wounded, but the people of Glasgow decided something had to be done. So Erskine was founded through public generosity.”

Erskine’s founding principles resonate with Blesma’s ethos to this day: supporting veterans in their recovery and helping them lead independent, fulfilling lives

Ian, a former Wing Commander, adds that Scottish citizens continue to respond to Erskine’s needs. Originally set up as a surgical hospital, Erskine shifted its focus to rehabilitation and preparing veterans for civilian life by teaching skills such as carpentry and tailoring. This commitment continues in the modern charity.

In the Beginning

Erskine began in 1916 as the Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers, located in an imposing baronial hall on 200 acres near Erskine. Named after its patron, the hospital was equipped by public donations and wealthy business figures. The first medical director, Sir William Macewen, designed a new prosthetic with the help of patients and shipyard craftsmen.

Ian, proud of Erskine’s history and current work, notes that veterans come to Erskine for various reasons, ranging from their 20s to their 90s. Despite differences in age and experience, the camaraderie among them is remarkable.

The community at Erskine is amazing. It’s all member-led, and our members’ committee has a huge influence on how things work here.

Steve Burton, a former Lieutenant Colonel who served in the Army for 37 years, is Blesma’s Support Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland. He is dedicated to building a close working relationship with the team at Erskine.

“Blesma has a strong connection with Erskine, stemming from our similar heritages and the fact that our members have lived—and continue to live—in both the home and the cottages. Both charities focus on supporting veterans, and we strive to collaborate whenever possible to benefit our members,” he says. “Erskine is an inspiring facility, and it’s wonderful that Blesma members can become part of its community, using its transitional accommodation as they rebuild their lives.”

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Danny Mavor

Danny, 38, was injured in a motorbike accident and now lives in a cottage at Erskine.

Before joining the Army, Danny grew up in Glasgow, left school at 15, and started working as a kitchen porter. He joined the Army on his 16th birthday. His military life introduced him to discipline and a passion for travel, including deployment to Iraq in 2005.

A motorcycle accident five years ago led to severe injuries, including paralysis. Danny’s recovery involved a month-long coma and extensive rehabilitation. He faced challenges in post-accident care but was helped by BSO Steve Burton and a tailored care package.

Now living in an Erskine cottage, Danny appreciates the blend of military community and personal privacy. The view of the hills reminds him of his journey and the peace he has found. His previous three years at Erskine Care Home deepened his understanding of the sacrifices made by others and helped him regain independence.

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John O’Neill

John, who served in the Gulf War with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, suffered head injuries in a fall and now lives in Erskine’s main care home.

John, originally from a village in Lanarkshire, joined the Army at 19, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. He served in the Gulf War and spent nearly 19 years in the Army, ultimately reaching the rank of Sergeant.

In 2000, a fall in Germany led to severe head injuries and a long recovery process. With Blesma and Erskine’s support, John moved into Erskine's care home, where he finds great support from staff and fellow veterans. His mental health has significantly improved, and he considers Erskine his home.

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Changing with the Times

Erskine, like all charities, must adapt to the present rather than rely on its history. Economic pressures, including reduced statutory support and a challenging fundraising climate, are very real. The charity has recognized the changing demographics and needs of its beneficiaries, noting the decrease in WWII and National Service veterans. In response, Erskine has reduced its overall number of beds to align with current demand while developing new services. These include potential care-at-home options and community services across Scotland.

Erskine is also finding success with its community training and activity hubs, as well as its transitional accommodation program, which provides younger veterans with an opportunity to stabilize their lives.

“People want to stay close to their family and friends whenever possible,” says Ian. “So we are developing a service to offer some level of care at home, allowing veterans to maintain their independence and dignity.”

He continues, “Loneliness and isolation can be significant challenges for veterans living in the community. Issues such as injuries, declining health, family bereavement, and simply aging can lead to very difficult circumstances. It can sometimes become a vicious cycle that is unhealthy, so we have opened an activity center that serves as a community hub. Here, veterans can participate in activities ranging from art and pottery classes to learning digital skills and carpentry. The center has attracted around 400 veterans, with 255 regular users, and we hope to replicate this model across Scotland.”

“I’m a huge fan of Blesma, and there is a clear overlap in what we both do. We collaborate closely with Steve Burton, who is the main contact for our Blesma beneficiaries and a strong advocate for their care. Erskine and Blesma have evolved significantly since WWI and continue to adapt to meet current challenges, always with the aim of providing the best support for limbless veterans.”