Gordon Highlanders march Speyside Way in aid of Scotland ’s veterans
A living history group today (6th June) sets off on a march along the Speyside Way , dressed in WWI uniform and weaponry, in a bid to raise vital funds for Scotland ’s veterans.
The Gordon Highlanders 1914-18 party is undertaking its inaugural Gordon Highlanders Erskine March in commemoration of the 95th anniversary of both the veterans’ charity Erskine and the Battle of the Somme .
The 65-mile march started today in Buckie and aims to finish in Aviemore in six days time. Along the way the Gordons group will be giving free demonstrations for members of the public at venues including Baxter’s Highland Village , Ballindalloch Castle , Glenfiddich Distillery and the Spey Valley Smokehouse.
It is hoped that £10,000 will be raised through this fantastic fundraising challenge, with all proceeds going directly towards the care of veterans and serving personnel supported by the veterans’ charity Erskine.
Tom Greenshields, of the Gordon Highlanders 1914-1918, said: “The sound of marching feet will reverberate across Speyside as the Gordon Highlanders from the Great War march along the Speyside Way . The whole venture is to raise money for Erskine, who, since 1916 have been caring for Scotland ’s ex-Service men and women through their network of residential homes. All the money will go to Erskine and not a penny will go to the marchers. We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause and to have the full moral support of the Gordons' Museum at Aberdeen .”
Erskine’s Head of Fundraising, Sara Bannerman added: “This is a poignant and magnificent way to mark the 95th anniversary of our charity and to raise funds for those veterans in our care. We are delighted that the Gordon Highlanders 1914-18 are taking on this wonderful adventure in our honour. I hope the communities across the Speyside Valley support this inaugural Gordon Highlanders Erskine March and give generously to our worthwhile cause.”
Erskine was established in 1916 to help provide care and artificial limbs for soldiers returning from the First World War. Almost 95 years on it still prides itself on providing care to ex-Service men and women at five care homes across Scotland , as well as supporting Armed Forces personnel on active service.
The Gordon Highlanders Erskine March is sponsored by Spey Valley Smokehouse, Glenfiddich Distillery (William Grant & Sons) and Subsea7. It is also being supported by the Gordon Highlanders Museum , Aberdeen University History Department, Baxters, Aberlour Distillery and Ballindalloch Castle .
For further information, log on to www.erskine.org.uk.
To support the Gordon Highlanders Erskine March, visit www.justgiving.com/Tom-Greenshields.
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