Cup-winning stars from St Mirren swapped the Hampden Roar for cheers in Bishopton as they brought the Scottish League Cup along to meet Veterans and staff at Erskine Veterans Charity.

Buddies captain Mark O'Hara and cup final hero Jonah Ayunga visited the charity’s Veterans Village just a few miles from Saints’ Paisley home. They proudly showed off the silverware won in December when Saints stunned Celtic 3–1 on a famous day at Hampden.

Ayunga fired in two goals after defender Marcus Fraser headed home the opener as the Buddies lifted the League Cup for only the second time in their history.

And the famous trophy caused a real buzz when it arrived at Erskine. Many residents and staff are lifelong Saints supporters and were thrilled to meet the players, hold the cup and relive the big win.

One of those was 82-year-old Christopher Balmforth, an Army veteran, originally from Elgin, and lifelong St Mirren supporter who has lived at Erskine since last year.

Christopher was among the Saints fans inside Hampden for the recent League Cup triumph, but it was not the first time he had watched St Mirren lift silverware at the national stadium. He was also in the crowd for the club’s famous Scottish Cup final victory over Aberdeen in 1959. During the visit he was one of several veterans to have his photograph taken with the players and the trophy, with O’Hara and Ayunga taking time to chat with him about his memories of both matches as Christopher proudly showed them a photograph of himself among the crowd at the 1959 final.

O’Hara said it meant a lot for the team to bring the trophy to the charity.

“It’s incredibly special for us to bring the League Cup here and spend time with the veterans,” he said. “Clubs like St Mirren are part of the fabric of the local community and Erskine means a huge amount to people across Paisley and Renfrewshire.

“To see the smiles when people held the trophy or talked about the game at Hampden was brilliant. The sacrifices these veterans have made are extraordinary so it means a lot to share this moment with them and the staff here at Erskine.”

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said the visit was a huge lift for residents.

“Welcoming Mark, Jonah and the League Cup to Erskine was a wonderful moment for our veterans and staff,” he said. “Many of our residents have followed St Mirren all their lives, so seeing the trophy up close and meeting the players was a real thrill.

“Erskine has supported Scotland’s veterans for more than a century and days like this bring enormous joy to the people we care for. We are very grateful to the club for sharing such a proud moment in their history with our veterans and staff.”

Founded in 1916 to support soldiers returning from the First World War, Erskine remains Scotland’s largest provider of dedicated veterans’ care.

Today the charity supports former servicemen and women across the country through specialist care homes, family cottages and supported accommodation at its Veterans Village in Bishopton, alongside activity centres and home support services that help veterans stay connected to their communities.