At the Scottish Veterans Awards on 27^th April we are delighted to announce that  Erskine Ambassador and Trustee Mike Edwards was the proud recipient of the “Reservist of the Year” Award.

In Scotland, a huge number of highly successful Armed Forces Veterans have made the transition from the Military to civilian life and the Scottish Veterans Awards were created to reward those veterans who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields.  This particular prestigious award recognises reservists, such as Mike,  juggling a military career alongside their civilian role.

A newspaper, radio and television journalist for 40 years, Mike Edwards was the nightly face of the Scottish News on STV for more than quarter of a century. He's been an Officer in the Army Reserve since 1994 and has served on operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

After retiring Mike was a full-time carer for his mother Margaret, who was living with a diagnosis of dementia, until her sad passing in 2019. This first-hand experience of caring resulted in a passion to help those living with dementia and their families, as well as military Veterans. Mike joined the Erskine board as a Trustee in 2020.

Mike said: “When I was a journalist, I loved coming to Erskine to interview the residents and share their remarkable memories. I've been an Army Reserve Officer for nearly 30 years and I am passionate about Veterans' affairs. I hope that I can bring to the table my take on current military affairs as a serving reservist, an intimate knowledge of the impact of caring for loved ones, particularly those with a diagnosis of dementia, together with decades of experience in the mainstream media.”

Of his award he said: “Yes I was presented with the award, yes my name is on the trophy and yes I have received all the congratulations. But the award is as much for the military charities I am proud and privileged to serve as it is for me. I have to thank Erskine from the bottom of my heart for nominating me and I truly believe the award is for the charity as well. I am fortunate enough to be involved with this remarkable organisation whose stellar staff do so many wonderful things for our amazing veterans. It is a privilege to be able to do all this while serving as an Army Reservist, a role I have been fortunate to fulfil for nearly 30 years. I am truly humbled.”

Erskine Chief Executive Ian Cumming said: “ We are absolutely delighted to hear that all Mike’s hard work, dedication and passion, in both his military and civilian roles, have been recognised. We are not only privileged but extremely grateful to have Mike, as an Ambassador and a Trustee, sharing his wisdom and experience with us.  This is invaluable to Erskine as a military charity”.

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio or Paisley FM 107.5

 To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate