VETERANS charity Erskine has unveiled a new £4million residential development.

David Boyle Court is a state-of-the-art facility that will support veterans as they transition away from the military.

Based within Erskine’s 'veterans village' in Bishopton, it offers accommodation and an employability programme to support service leavers and veterans whose life or transition plans have been disrupted.

The charity will offer each resident a bespoke support package tailored to suit their needs, including volunteering, training and work experience, as well as job opportunities with local business partners.

The aim is to give veterans the skills they need to move onto sustained employment and long-term accommodation in an area of their choice.

The new development offers them a safe place to live for up to two years, where they can meet others in the same position.

There are 24 single occupancy apartments that come fully furnished, complete with living and dining spaces, kitchen, bedroom and an en-suite wet room.

In addition, there are four fully-accessible apartments and two communal spaces which will be used for training, one-to-one counselling and skills development. One of these spaces will also be used as a cinema room.

Each resident will have access to all the facilities in the veterans village, including the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre, Harry’s Café, the Royal Scots Shop, a hairdresser and a podiatrist.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming, Erskine chief executive, said: “Erskine’s strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding that we offer our residents, tenants and their families.

"Many of us, myself included, have served in the military and this enhances our understanding of some of the challenges they face.

“David Boyle Court is just the latest project in a lifetime of tireless work aimed at providing support and care to veterans.

"Veterans have a great deal to offer civilian society and most transition seamlessly. However, like most people who change career, they need support and new skills to help with the transition.

"This project will give them time and space to get the best possible support to develop and showcase their talents as they re-prepare for civilian life.

"This significant investment signals an exciting chapter for the charity and a bright future for our veterans.

“We must ensure that those who have served their country are never overlooked. Erskine will give them the best possible chance to become not simply successful veterans but successful citizens – living and working in the communities of their choice.”

Any veterans who would like to know more about David Boyle Court or businesses that are keen to support the project are asked to contact accommodation manager Tracy Higgins by calling 0141 814 4578 or sending an email to accommodation@erskine.org.uk.