Bonnie the Bus rolls in to support Erskine Veterans

Erskine Veterans Charity has unveiled “Bonnie the Bus”, a brand-new minibus bought with funds raised by the charity’s army of supporters who raised more than £75,000 in just a few months.

Bonnie will join “Shuggy the Shuttle”, who has clocked up 26,500 miles since 2021, ferrying veterans to hospital appointments, seaside fish-and-chip runs, football matches, museums, and even the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Tattoo.

The Spring Appeal saw 1,284 donations pour in, with supporters also asked to suggest a name for the new arrival. A total of 140 entries were received before Bonnie, suggested by Maggie McElhinney, 70, from Rutherglen, was crowned the winner.

Bonnie is a standard 16-seater minibus, with its main purpose being the transportation of Erskine Veterans Activity Centre West members. The bus will support veterans by enabling group outings and social activities—providing the transport they need for trips, events, and the everyday moments that matter most.

“This minibus is more than just transport, it’s a gateway to independence and connection,” said Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine’s Chief Executive. “Without our supporters, we simply couldn’t provide this vital part of our services. Every donation, big or small, helps ensure our Veterans continue to live full and active lives. Bonnie will make a real difference.”

Winner Maggie said: “I’ve supported Erskine for years and I was delighted to suggest a name. To know it will now be seen on the road, taking Veterans to the places they love, is really special.”

For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

Notes to Editor

Erskine Veterans Charity is more than a charity — it’s a community, a family, and a lifeline for Scotland’s Veterans and their loved ones. Since 1916, we’ve provided expert care and unwavering support for ex-Service men and women, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of those who’ve served our country.

As Scotland’s leading provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans as the only charity in Scotland to offer such a wide-ranging suite of person-centred services for our beneficiaries.

Erskine delivers outstanding nursing, residential, and dementia care in our specialist homes on the East and West coasts. However our support extends beyond care homes: through our Veterans Village in Bishopton, we provide 44 family cottages, five Assisted Living Apartments, and 23 Transitional Supported Accommodation Apartments for Veterans of various ages and life stages.

We also help Veterans thrive within their own local communities. Our Activity Centres in Bishopton and Forres, offer a safe space for Veterans to come together with like-minded people to connect, engage in purposeful activities, learn new skills, and access support. In addition our regional Home Support service offers older Veterans the friendly assistance which they need to live well with independence and dignity in their own home.

At Erskine, we don’t just care for Veterans — we care about them.

The generosity of our supporters allows the charity to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU