The vision he had way back in 2017 is finally a reality “I had my job interview here 10 years ago and I told them then that my goal was to make the club the No 1 centre for golf development in this area,” he reflected the area of land we had was so poor and the first quote I got just to sort out the ground was about £300,000 It floods quite easily here and in 2020 we had a pretty serious one I’m not a course designer but I came up with an idea I went down with a measuring stick to see how high we’d have to build certain areas of the facility to avoid being flooded “The flood water was some three-and-a-half metres so the practice greens and the range are built above that level “We finally started construction in early April last year and we lost about 70 days between then and August due to the weather stressful 12 months but the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain for the club With funding from the Stanley Morrison Charitable Trust as well as £90,000 raised by Erskine himself through supportive local businesses the new facility will be a hugely beneficial resource for members of all ages and abilities There are four covered bays with four artificial Huxley greens that will act as both targets from the range and as part of a junior wedge course This is complimented by artificial chipping and putting areas as well as two indoor Trackman bays who have been highly active in delivering golf into local schools have nurtured a flourishing junior scene at Dumfries & County but Erskine is hoping his Academy can sustain this initial enthusiasm while aiding the transition to full-scale golf “You can get primary school kids into golf quite easily,” added Erskine who provides 30 hours of free coaching to each junior member as part of his concerted efforts to bolster the grassroots “But it’s the progression that can be the problem They have to then go onto a 5–6000-yard course with a need for almost instant gratification it can become frustrating and they can give up pretty quickly We get loads of kids involved but there’s nowhere for them to develop their skills before they progress onto a big course These facilities create an environment for them and it gives us a good chance of building a better future for the game in this region “Every day after school the facility is only available for juniors to use “Titleist have been great supporters and have provided balls for a year A bucket of 50 balls costs £4 and all that will be spent on development women’s programmes or Get into Golf initiatives members will feel as if they are putting something back into their club This is a great members’ facility for all levels of golfers “The primary aim is to grow and regenerate the demographic of the club and this puts us in a great position going forward.” and various trials and tribulations with the weather the golfing gods looked down favourably on Erskine and provided a delightful spring day for his grand opening the former Ryder Cup player whose own Foundation does a tremendous amount of work for junior golf in Scotland was on hand to help cut the ribbon and usher in this exciting new era “Stevie has always been very complimentary about the work we’ve been doing down here,” said Erskine of this mutual appreciation society I thought it was fitting that he should be here to hit the opening shot along with the people from the Trust but I like to think I’ve given back a bit myself.” Dumfries & County’s new facility will stand as a monument to Erskine’s tireless endeavours PGA HeadquartersCentenary HouseThe BelfrySutton ColdfieldWest MidlandsB76 9PT ®PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association LimitedPGA Golf Management Ltd is a subsidiary of The Professional Golfers’ Association LimitedPGA.info is the official web site of The PGA © 2025 juggling four businesses in the vibrant London restaurant industry I was executive chef and creative director for my first hotel restaurant I co-owned the plant-based burger chain Filth with model and nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson and co-owned Giz’n’Green Pizza Pies with Professor Green I was about to open an eatery in Margate with my long-time friend Carl Barât from The Libertines My social media profile must have looked frantic with glitzy openings and events But that all changed overnight when a perfect storm of events led me to lose everything The grief completely floored me but I had no choice but to carry on Covid hit and I had to shut up shop when I’d only just started I was taking medication to manage my ADHD I realised benzodiazepines would help bring me down but I quickly got addicted to these and sleeping pills It’s very ‘hospitality’ to work hard and party harder While many of us were forced to slow down during Covid and we started the build for the Margate site everything imploded: all the plates I was spinning came crashing down I had to make some very tough decisions and I felt like I had no choice but to walk away from my businesses – each for a different reason and each with a different set of nightmares mostly from loans I took out and trying to move money around to save two of the businesses I struggled to get out of bed in the mornings and spent days on the sofa riddled with ADHD paralysis I’d barely experienced that particular symptom before because I’d always had something to get up for obsessing over other people’s lives on social media and assuming everyone else was doing just fine I lost any kind of executive function and confidence to do the job I’d done for more than 20 years It was clear I needed serious support and I was lucky that friends and family rallied around me Had I known about a charity called Smart Works at the time which is instrumental in getting unemployed women back into work It’s such a simple service – dressing and coaching women for interviews but back then I had to downsize all aspects of my life from where I could afford to eat to who I socialised with I was still being invited to Michelin-star restaurant openings but I couldn’t even afford to get the bus there I became very insular and anxious about going out I was still living in the amazing house in east London I bought myself when I was 33 but the reality was I couldn’t afford to pay my mortgage – Christ I owed so much money I realised the only way out was to sell my dream house I’d been fighting for my life against the debt collectors to stop them taking everything I’d worked so hard for and the sale meant I was finally able to pay them off I was able to claw back a tiny bit of money I moved into a more afford- able area and invested what little money I had left back into my social platforms I found my voice again and got a new newspaper column I repackaged The Nitery into a travelling restaurant called Cuisine PLC Now I’m in a positive financial situation again and I have managed to build a strong relationship with my partner [musician Matthew Turner] I realise everything that happened needed to so that I could feel how I do today My priorities shifted; I still love working but I’m now able to focus on my relationship I am not remotely the party animal I once was I love to entertain at home and see my real friends – you do find out who those are very quickly I’m in a privileged position in that I had a career to fight for but the experience reframed the way I view failure It’s one of the most productive things you can do although that’s hard to see when you’re in the thick of it I’m taking each day as it comes and using the life lessons I’ve learned to make sure none of this happens again Find out more about how you can donate, volunteer or book an appointment with Smart Works at smartworks.org.uk and @smartworkscharity on Instagram Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) Two schoolgirls, aged 12 and 13, will be reported to the relevant authorities following the incident. Emergency services were alerted to the assault which happened on Friday at around 6pm in the Boden Boo area of Erskine. The schoolgirl was taken to hospital for treatment. Two girls, aged 12 and 13, are due to be reported to the relevant authorities following the incident. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were made aware of the assault of a 13-year-old girl which happened around 6pm on Friday, April 11, 2025, in the Boden Boo area of Erskine. “Two girls, aged 12 and 13, have been charged in connection with the incident and will be reported to the relevant authority.” STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" You are viewing your 1 free article this month I interview authors for The Bookseller's weekly Author Profile slot and write the monthly New Wendy Erskine’s The Benefactors is a Belfast-set polyphonic novel following three very different women whose sons have all been accused of sexual assault “People are more unusual and strange – and maybe unfathomable – than is sometimes presented in literature,” reckons Wendy Erskine having rushed home from her day job as head of English at a secondary school where she has taught for nearly 30 years “If you can always allow for that prospect that things could go in all sorts of directions it keeps the characters from seeming as though they’re going down well-worn routes.” is a polyphonic novel about wealth and class set in contemporary Belfast that does indeed go in some unexpected directions Fizzing with energy and with a fierce unsentimentality who are brought together when their 18-year-old sons are accused of sexual assault Frankie is the beautiful second wife of a wealthy man who conceals much beneath her glossy surface including a tough childhood spent in care and her thoughts on what her stepson has allegedly done Bronagh is the CEO of a children’s charity a woman convinced of her own importance: “Bronagh knows at heart that no one really rates her,” says Erskine no one really thinks she is all that wonderful And she tries to preserve this illusion of being this incredibly capable individual.” The third has recently lost her husband in a car crash in mysterious circumstances – another woman was found beside him in the car These three are prepared to bring their social standing and financial clout to bear against the victim who was sexually assaulted after her hotel shift by boys she considered to be her friends Misty may be without their power or connections taxi-driver dad Boogie and forceful matriarch Nan D Erskine is well known to book-sellers as the author of two highly-acclaimed short story collections originally published in Ireland by Stinging Fly Press and in the UK by Picador It was Declan Meade of Stinging Fly who first spotted Erskine’s potential as a writer when finding her teaching timetable gave her a free afternoon on Mondays she signed up for a six-month fiction course in Dublin Erskine “wanted to write something that in no way could possibly ever be an elongated short story” “I wanted something that would contain many lives and many perspectives and that would offer a different type of reading experience.”  A striking feature of The Benefactors is the other voices that appear (“I think a chorus conveys a sense of commonality of purpose.”) Deciding which characters are to be the focal point of a story can be quite an arbitrary thing for a writer Take a restaurant as the setting for a short story One writer might choose the table of glamorous women to concentrate on but another would be drawn to the kitchen porter she says: “What I was thinking was: let’s imagine a world and let’s imagine that the ideas of this book have a relevance to all sorts of different people beyond the ones that I have chosen to make the main characters I knew some of [the voices] would be connected quite intimately to the main narrative some connected in terms of something quite tangential I was hoping they were going to enhance the experience add a sort of richness or texture to the reading experience.” The voices are extraordinarily distinct from each other Erskine is pleased: “If these people don’t sound Erskine’s ability to fully inhabit such a range of characters is partly what makes The Benefactors such a compelling Erskine sees it herself as a book “about responsibility Erskine is fearless: “I like the idea that anything is possible.” And writing should be a fun activity “I don’t have a lot of patience with this idea that people say they find it so incredibly difficult and dreadful to write Lord Erskine was at least four years older than every other horse in the feature €100,000 RYBO Handicap Hurdle but the old dog taught the whippersnappers a few new tricks in typically tenacious fashion under Darragh O'Keeffe It was a 12th success on his 69th career outing for the 12-year-old and Harry Rogers is now contemplating a quick reappearance at Punchestown next week who followed up a 33-1 winner on Easter Sunday with a 22-1 one here They don't usually happen at Fairyhouse for me "It's unbelievable – I've never had a horse like him "You'd think he would be getting slower as he gets older and I thought they weren't going fast enough there and I was worried about the ground I didn't believe he would ever win another race He added: "He might end up in Punchestown He might go to Killarney for something on the Flat if he is still enjoying it I have five or six good owners and if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be doing it I wouldn't have kept at it at all." Donovan said: "I've never had a double before so it's a brilliant day I know Locked Box well as I ride him in most of his work I'd have been a bit disappointed if he hadn't done that today." Locked Box was supported from 12-1 in the morning down to 4-1 at the off was full of praise for the rider after Kiltealy Park edged out True Testimony by a short head but could not help but feel sorry for Sean Flanagan on the runner-up Nolan said: "Sean recommended Philip to us and even gave him instructions so for Philip to beat Sean in the finish must have been tough This was a Grand National for our mare so we're delighted." Declan Queally jnr said: "He's a grand horse and he's progressed with racing The bragging rights in the Ladies National went to Maxine O'Sullivan, who timed her challenge to perfection on the Tony Martin-trained Read To Return Martin said of the 15-2 winner: "Maxine has been with me for years and is a great rider He crept away and leaped well bar the third-last I thought we were getting into it nicely and lucky enough we got away with it Nico de Boinville 'definitely won't be riding this week or next' with Nicky Henderson left searching for Jonbon jockey  Determination, hunger and a McCoy-like drive - three riding greats say Sean Bowen can dominate for years to come  Published on 22 April 2025inReports Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors this weekend's cable inspections on the A898 at Erskine Bridge have been cancelled As a result no overnight closures at this location will take place on Friday 30th August or Saturday 31st August 2024.  As a result no overnight closures at this location will take place on Friday 23rd August or Saturday 24th August 2024.  SCHEDULED CABLE INVESTIGATIONS ON A898 ERSKINE BRIDGE COMMENCES FRIDAY 16th AUGUST  is undertaking routine cable inspections on the A898 at Erskine Bridge from Friday 16th August until Saturday 14th September 2024 inclusive Cable inspections are required every four years and are now due.   Enabling works will take place every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until 6am under a southbound full carriageway closure and a northbound offside lane closure.  PLEASE NOTE: Saturday evening closures are contingency and will only be required if weather conditions are unfavourable during Friday evening inspections. Road users are advised to check ahead via the Traffic Scotland website.  Southbound traffic will be diverted as follows:  Motorway traffic wishing to travel on the southbound A898 will be diverted along the A82 eastbound Great Western Road to Crow Road and the A739 before being directed to the A814 Clydeside Expressway towards the M8 at Kingston Bridge Please be advised that HGVs must use this diversion route.  Non-Motorway traffic will be diverted along the A82 eastbound Great Western Road to Crow Road and the A739 before being directed on to the A814 Clydeside Expressway Traffic will then be directed to Finnieston Street traffic will be diverted along Edmiston Drive and Glasgow Road before being directed to Glebe Street Greenock Road and Southbar Road to the A726 where this diversion will end This route is not suitable for HGVs.  Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.  At times outwith the weekend overnight closures the cable inspections will proceed within a fully enclosed cable inspection cradle and all traffic lanes will be open as normal.  these inspections are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable Further weekend work may be required if this scheme is affected for any reason.  A free Road Work Alerts service is available from our website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/ An email address is all that is required to sign up for the service.  To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/  Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting https://www.traffic.gov.scot/ or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland  SW Trunk Roads has updated its cookie policy We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our websites This includes cookies from third party social media websites if you visit a page which contains embedded content from social channels or if you share content Such third party cookies may track your use of SW Trunk Roads websites If you continue without changing your settings we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on SW Trunk Roads website you can change your cookie settings at any time was one of the last of the generation of Scots born before the Great Depression His life was an exemplar of social mobility in action Despite the disruption of the second world war and his working-class background the Alloa academy in his home town in Clackmannanshire helped him win a place to study classics at the University of St Andrews he contracted tuberculosis and had to spend the next few years in and out of TB clinics with ample time for informal study but also for debate with fellow patients about social issues postwar politics and new forms of cultural expression when he became one of the first Scottish patients to receive the antibiotic streptomycin He finally graduated with an MA in history in 1954 Andrew Erskine 1953Andrew was born in Alloa to Isabella (nee Archibald) and Andrew Erskine In 1953 he took a train journey to attend the Soviet-sponsored World Festival of Youth He retained vivid recollections of the ruination of postwar Europe but also the friendship and kindness shown to him everywhere he went Advised to seek a “quiet” profession, his first job was with the Lanarkshire library service, where he met his future wife, Pamela (nee Bowell) and later as head of history at Hawick high school in the Scottish Borders There he combined school duties with writing (unperformed) plays and articles for local newspapers and continued to add to his substantial personal library and to his collection of jazz recordings On retirement in 1989, Andrew and Pamela moved to Edinburgh, where they continued to travel, read widely, attend concerts, cinema and theatre, and entertain family and friends. In the early 2000s they took a plot at Edinburgh’s Inverleith allotments which Andrew tended well into his 80s – not bad for a man with one lung and heart disease He lived independently and was intellectually active until a month before his death Emergency services were called to Inverbervie, in Erskine, at around 10.25pm on Saturday. Emergency services were called to Inverbervie, in Erskine, at around 10.25pm on Saturday after reports that a man was seriously assaulted and bitten by a dog. A 28-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries remain ongoing at this time and officers are appealing for anyone with any relevant CCTV to come forward at this tim. Detective Sergeant Kenny Taggart said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this to contact us. “We also ask anyone with private CCTV of the area at the time to come forward.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3943 of March 15, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained. Elderly residents have been sharing stories and wisdom with pupils at Erskine Stewart's Melville School. Residents from Murrayfield House Care Home are swapping stories, wisdom, and encouragement with students from Erskine Stewart’s Melville School through an inspiring pen pal initiative. The letter exchange has sparked joy and nostalgia, with residents sharing tales from their rich lives and offering support to their young correspondents. The students, who are currently studying for their exams, met their pen pals for the first time during a visit to the care home. One of the residents writing letters is Jean Walker, a former teacher and headteacher at Clarebank School in Edinburgh. “Everybody was so friendly – it’s made me very happy,” she said. She joked: “Seeing all these smartly dressed people is overwhelming.” S5 pupil Ronan Tierney said: “We’ve been getting to know them, asking what they’ve done with their lives. You can ask them for what is their happiest moment in life, the lessons they’ve learned. “It’s pretty special to sit yourself down and take the time to write about something you care about. It’s a lot more emotionally intertwined and takes more effort.” Robbie Sinclair, also in S5, added: “I found it really rewarding. It’s really nice to connect with the older generation. “You can ask them for what is their happiest moment of their lives, the lessons they have learned. “Writing a letter by hand, taking the time to put a bit of thought into it and get that response is really special.” S4 pupil Horatio Scorah has been writing letters to Eileen Vaughn over the last six months. “It’s amazing – to finally meet her is nice,” he said. “I’ve been asking her questions, like her favourite holiday, which helps remind her of what a good life she’s had. “I think with messages, it’s shorter and less meaningful. When you’re writing letters, it comes from the heart. “You can learn a lot because in the modern day you have social media teaching you things, but I don’t hear much from older people about what their experiences actually are.” Eileen said she has been speaking to Horatio about preparing for his exams. “You go through difficult times at school – the learning and exams can be stressful – I know I used to worry,” she said. “It’s a stressful time for them growing up as well. It’s a lot different to how it used to be – the world is changing. “It’s been so good to put a face to the writing.” Wellbeing coordinator Norma Mackie said: “It’s been an amazing experience for residents. “It’s a joy for them to read how the boys are doing and seeing how they are progressing through life with their school, exams and hobbies. Some residents don’t have family and it’s like that connection for them. “It gives us as coordinators and as carers, every part of this home, a sense of joy to see the look in their faces when they get that letter. The determination when they’re writing the letter and then getting it posted.” Home   News   Article A wellbeing centre in a historic Forres building has been awarded £20,000 for new equipment will invest the grant from the National Lottery Community Fund in equipment for therapeutic and recreational activities for the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) in the former Victoria Hotel He said: “The positive impact it will have is invaluable allowing us to enhance the opportunities that we can provide “Our experience with the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre in Renfrewshire has shown how vital these services are for fostering well-being and personal growth and thanks to this funding we can extend these opportunities to veterans across Morayshire and the Highlands.” welcoming over 80 veterans in its first month alone it provides tailored support to facilitate the transition from military service to civilian life The funding will also allow the centre to deliver activities designed to promote mental wellbeing Veterans will benefit from therapy sessions Chairwoman of The National Lottery Community Fund believes the initiative is transforming lives in communities across Scotland She finished: “This project is a fantastic example of how people can come together to support a shared cause It demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive change they can bring to people’s lives.” The Lindsays Cross Country Season has already made a big impact this autumn with exciting events at Cumbernauld and Kirkcaldy Next the focus switches back to the District action with championships scheduled in three areas for the final weekend of the month (Saturday 30 November) The distances lengthen for athletes of all ages for the races in the East We’re delighted these events will be hosted at the University of Stirling (East); Barwood Park in Erskine (West) and Gordonstoun in Elgin (North) Online entries are now open for the Lindsays District XC Champs both for clubs and for individuals Please be aware that the entry closing deadline for these events is 5pm on Thursday 14 November Stirling Erskine Elgin Thanks for your continued support of the Lindsays Cross Country Season events Sign in or register below for free to unlock 2 articles each month and receive personalised newsletters to your inbox.ORHelp support our journalism and subscribe with unlimited access.Subscribe from less than £3.50 We use cookies to improve your experience of using our website Please let us know if you agree to the use of these cookies The Church of Scotland's Talking Ministry series shares personal stories from those serving in Christian ministry along with resources filled with questions prayers and reflections to help encourage reflection on how God might be calling you at this time Rev David Nicolson talks about what inspired him to leave a career in broadcasting for service in the ministry and the challenges and rewards of being a new minister Rev Nicolson studied at Stirling University and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic College on Skye before going on to work in Gaelic broadcasting as a television director He was inducted as minister of Erskine Church – his first charge – in 2019 and soon had to deal with the question of how to connect with his congregation is the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic Finlay (10) and twins Autumn and Isaac (7) I grew up going to church and Sabbath school then I started getting more involved again in my early 20s and started volunteering to do things in church I went to Stirling University and did a BA in English and after Stirling I went to Sabhal MòrOstaig to do an intensive all-round course in Gaelic broadcasting and through that I got my first crack at employment in broadcasting It was good and I was very happy doing that but through being more involved in church and getting the opportunity to preach it was difficult to resist the sense of being called It was just difficult to resist that sense of call I just had an ability that I didn't know I had I was listening to a sermon where it was one of those moments where you think ‘Oh my goodness I don't think there's anyone else in the church' because the message spoke so directly to me about leaving what was familiar to you and heading out to do what God wants from you There were lots of little things such as having lots of people around me whose opinion I trusted who said they felt this would be a good move I found the Church of Scotland system quite helpful for someone like myself who was not entirely sure about my call because it allowed you time to explore your faith and you had plenty of potential jumping off points if you didn't feel it was right for you I studied remotely at Highland Theological College and did a bit of my practical training on the islands but what was probably more formative for me was working at St George's Tron in Glasgow and working in the suburbs in East Kilbride I feel that I got to experience in some sense the whole gamut of Church of Scotland ministry because there is so much breadth to it In a city centre church you are obviously working with a lot of the particular social conditions there and then the suburbs are very different again and they all have their own particular identity The main thing I learned was that there is very little that works universally A lot of ministry is about spending time listening and observing in the area around you and being able to shape ministry and mission in a way that's sensitive to that rather than attempting to bring some sort of blanket approach You get a sense about a place that you can't really explain then you start to make enquiries and meet people and get a sense of whether there is a group of people you can work with and if there is enough of a sharing of where you want to go that it will work out well You can get some sort of handle on that from speaking to people It was also a nice place for my family to settle so I thought it would be nice to find a good place to put some roots down for the family and I'm glad to say that's worked out including just about everything that you had trained for in ministry It pushed us online and so much good came out of that but at the time I remember thinking that I'd been totally robbed You thought that you would have a chance to learn the contours of your parish but it was almost impossible to do that because you couldn't engage with people There's a Jekyll and Hyde aspect in many ways because when I came to Erskine there was barely any functional tech and there were no communications to the wider world Covid meant we had to get all of that and we had some good grants to get that infrastructure into the church Now that infrastructure is first class and allows us to do a lot and make more of the space as a community facility There are all these plans that we now have as a result of the pandemic People write to us and tell us that they are able to join us online and that is the only real option for them I am always somebody who has looked outside the walls of the church Because we are a long way from when everyone went to church there are a lot of folks with a lapsed or severed connection to the church that they can't even remember in their family But just because there is no formal church connection I don't think that precludes God or God's spirit being at work It's an enormous challenge to make that connection to pull down the wall between the Church and the wider culture and lot of what I do is orientated towards putting small dents in that wall There are a lot of folk seeking some sort of connection with God I speak to people in the community around us and they do actually have a desire to come to church but it's a big mountain to climb for someone who has not been in the habit of doing that: it's alien they are really not sure if they are going to be accepted and even our saying that all are welcome doesn't really translate into a currency that makes sense to them I think we need to start the relationship well beyond the church walls and it is through connection and trust that we build these relationships I do that by just trying to be a normal person who lives here and wear my faith and ministry as lightly as I can but I try not to take myself seriously and I hope that makes me approachable My kids are all at ages where they are at clubs every other day of the week and I make connections through that You tell people about your job and that will start conversations They will tell you about their faith experiences or their experiences of church Those things open the doors in terms of ministry I do a lot of chaplaincy in the schools in the area and run sports and fitness clubs and am chaplain to Renfrew FC These are not religious environments at all but they allow us to meet people we would never see in the church Chaplaincy has a totally different skill set from Ministry of Word and Sacrament You have got to be very comfortable outside of the church environment and be really supportive That's certainly not going to translate into any quick or easy converts but it allows you to take what you are good at in terms of being someone who cares about others and also being a good listener and good pastor I have always loved studying and learning to apply the word of God I still put a lot of work into preaching and I see real results from that There are very few things better than when you have put in that work hearing folk say that it is making a difference to their lives and their faith and helping them make sense of that faith And continuing to improve my teaching and communication skills and my ability to apply that to what people need – the stuff that helps us connect the world of faith and church to those who wouldn't yet call themselves part of our number I find that really rewarding and enjoy finding new ways of doing that I feel we have come a long way as a congregation since I took the job on The pace at which we have been able to keep moving forward has surprised me I thought it would take a lot longer and be a lot slower I don't have a grand vision other than I would like to see the church at the heart of serving the community as much as possible wherever there are gaps and using the church as a community facility but I would like to see us continually exploring that and the ways that might happen and making new connections in our community as well as maintaining the ones we have made I quite often joke to the congregation that I would like to do myself out of a job I see my role as building up the people so they can do ministry for themselves and minister to each other That's never going to happen 100 per cent in our model but I would certainly like to draw out more gifts of ministry within folks and build up confidence and people's faith in others so we can go up a gear and flourish Those may be just some of the thoughts that go through you mind when you start to feel that prompting by God to serve him more Those negative comments that someone may have said to you when you were younger that you wouldn't achieve much in your life "Stick to your day job you can't do much else." Those are not God's words they are not from the one who created you and knows exactly what you are capable of and knows that if you are willing to ‘walk on the water you just need to get out of the boat' to encourage his disciples before he left them I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do - yes And I will do whatever you ask for in my name so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son It can be so daunting to want to take a step of faith and in some respects put your faith out there and say yes to God's calling but sometimes you don't have to do anything at all If God is calling you then there is often no escape We read in scripture of many people who were just getting on with their everyday lives and then God surprises them then one night she is visited by an angel and before you know it she is going to be the mother of God and before his eyes there is a burning bush in front of him he realises he is standing on holy ground for God speaks to him through the bush and has a job for him to do; to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and lead them to their promised land David a young handsome boy looking after his father's flock out on the fields He may have been looking forward to a nice quiet night and before he can sit down and put his feet up he is anointed to become the next King of Judah "How long will you go on grieving over Saul But now get some olive oil and go to Bethlehem because I have chosen one of his sons to be king."……. Then Jesse called his son Abinadab and brought him to Samuel the Lord hasn't chosen him either." Jesse then brought Shammah the Lord hasn't chosen him either," Samuel said In this way Jesse brought seven of his sons to Samuel the Lord hasn't chosen any of these." Then he asked him "We won't offer the sacrifice until he comes." So Jesse sent for him "This is the one—anoint him!" Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on and to be at this stage in my relationship with you but to know that you can use me in your service is a huge surprise as well as being extremely humbling and affirming Thank you that I am open to your calling and Lord I want to have faith like Peter had to call out to you and ‘walk on the water.' To trust that you will lead and guide me in the right direction Thank you that you have used the most ordinary people in the past to do the most extraordinary things like becoming the mother of God leading people to freedom and becoming a leader of a nation Help me to trust in you and to know that you will use the gifts you created in me to bring glory to your name and to serve your people "The treasure lies in what you may consider a most unlikely field – yourself." - Gerard W If you would like to consider how God might be calling you to serve at this time you may want to discuss further with your minister or be in touch with your Presbytery to explore local opportunities If you are interested in exploring a call to the recognised ministries of the Church, you can find more information on our vocations page and can contact ministry@churchofscotland.org.uk for a Discernment Conversation with one of the Recruitment Team Contact us MORE than 100 people enjoyed a meet-and-greet with representatives of a charity that is converting a prominent hotel into a wellbeing centre Erskine Veterans Charity invited the community to an open afternoon and evening at Forres House Community Centre to meet the people behind the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC) in the former Victoria Hotel on Tytler Street A spokesperson confirmed both sessions went “extremely well” attended by veterans and key stakeholders including potential members for the centre She said: “Fifteen minutes before the initial session we had a queue of people waiting to come in “We introduced ourselves personally - starting on the path of being a recognised The attendees were most interested in what Erskine is Following its purchase at the start of the year Simpson Builders have been modernising The Vic’ since May ahead of it becoming a hub of activity and support for veterans and their families Erskine’s spokesperson said: “When the EVAC opens it will be totally refurbished to cater for our new members There will also be blank canvas space which will be established with the new membership “The work is progressing at pace as we look forward to a soft launch in December We will be offering taster sessions to veterans who are considering becoming members and Erskine’s engagement event at Forres House was an opportunity for the charity to gain insight into what veterans need at EVAC our new neighbours placed faces to the names they have been reading about in the press “ERMAC Veteran Committee members gave first-hand accounts of the benefits the centre will bring and insight into the kind of activities we hope to establish.” “People were really interested in what Erskine is bringing,” finished the spokesperson “There was a large offering of support in terms of volunteering and partnership work.” Erskine is running a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZHBC27 to find out what else people would like to see at EVAC. A fundraising firewalk is also scheduled to take place at Grant Park on Sunday, November 10 at 6pm. Visit https://www.erskine.org.uk/news/erskine-veterans-charity-firewalk-for-forres-2024 for more information. Erskine said she got into a ‘huge argument’ with the TV presenter I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Claims have emerged that Gregg Wallace told TV chef Gizzi Erskin she couldn’t possibly be a real chef because she is a woman The 60-year-old presenter stepped back from the cooking show after twenty years, as various allegations emerged that he had made sexual comments to staff and guests. Wallace has vehemently denied all accusations. “The allegations were investigated by the BBC six years ago, and my comments were found to be not sexual. I repeat not sexual,” he has said. MasterChef guest Grace Dent has been confirmed as his replacement to co-host alongside John Torode has starred on various TV programmes including her own shows as well as daytime shows such as This Morning The 45-year-old is reported to have said she got into a “huge argument” with Wallace after he made the comment to her and fellow chef and MasterChef contestant Sophie Michell “‘It’s really interesting seeing what’s going on with Gregg Wallace, because me and him had a huge argument,” she told the Go To Food podcast, according to the MailOnline. “He told me and Sophie Michell that we weren’t real chefs, and we couldn’t possibly be because we were women,” Erskine is claimed to have said. “It might have been through direct messages. Something started, so we jumped in and then it all went really aggy. There is an insidious side to that side of it. I definitely get treated differently to the men in the room. There is no doubt about it.” When The Independent listened to the podcast, which was quoted by The Mail, the quotes were not available. However, The Mail and Telegraph continue to report the story. New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When approached, representatives for Erskine declined to comment on the matter, while Wallace’s representatives pointed out that the quotes were not in the podcast. Erskine further hinted that Wallace was not alone in his treatment, as she referred to “grimy experiences with some grimy celebrity chefs” but did not mention any further names. It was reported that the BBC had been made aware of complaints against Wallace as far back as 2017, while it was claimed that a letter had been sent to the broadcaster in 2022 stating that women had been made to feel “uncomfortable” in his presence. A BBC spokesperson has said about the allegations against Wallace: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated. “Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.” The BBC has since decided to cancel the pre-recorded Celebrity MasterChef festive specials, with BBC News reporting that the celebrity contestants involved in the episodes have been “spoken to about the reasons behind the decision to pull the show”. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies The NSW Government is upgrading Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway The project will support current and future traffic demands Work will continue at night from Thursday 1 May. For more information, please view our night work notification (PDF, 461.25 KB) Night work will continue along Mamre Road from Tuesday 1 April For more information, please view our night work notification (PDF, 616.17 KB).  Utility work and other activities will continue at night along Mamre Road from Monday 3 March For more information, please view our night work notification (PDF, 650.06 KB) we will need to close Luddenham Road for three nights between 8pm and 5am on Wednesday 19 For more information, please view our February Luddenham Road closure notification (PDF, 267.71 KB).  Night work will continue in February from Monday 3 February. More information can be found in our night work notification (PDF, 594.06 KB).  We will continue to work at night along Mamre Road, from Tuesday 7 January 2025. Please see our night work notification (PDF, 335.65 KB) Work is underway to upgrade Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway Read more on what’s happening in our latest community update (PDF, 11.34 MB) Night work will continue for two shifts on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 December 2024 View our night work notification (PDF, 170.48 KB) for more information with a maximum of three nights per week from Thursday 5 December to Friday 13 December For more information view our night work notification (PDF, 179.29 KB) Transport for NSW is upgrading 3.8 kilometres of Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway Construction work will start from Thursday 17 October weather permitting and is expected to be completed in 2027.  View or download the Construction work notification (PDF, 629.07 KB) for more information Seymour Whyte Constructions has been awarded the contract to upgrade Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway to prepare and set up the site compound and other areas This work will take three months to complete.  View or download the Early work notification (PDF, 365.51 KB) for more information Mamre Road is an important transport corridor in Western Sydney and is a key connector to the Western Sydney Employment Area and Western Sydney Airport Precinct The current upgrade of Mamre Road between M4 Motorway St Clair and Erskine Park Road will meet future needs of road users and cater for growth in the area Further upgrades of Mamre Road will be delivered subject to funding Seymour Whyte Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the upgrade of Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway Major construction has started and is expected to be complete in 2028 The key benefits to the community include: Key features for the upgrade between the M4 Motorway and Erskine Park Road:  Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us Investigation work continues at night on Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway Investigation work continues on Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway Mamre Road upgrade between the M4 Motorway and Erskine Park Road For further information or to submit complaints about this project Phone: 1800 696 564 (toll free) - option 1 Email: MamreroadupgradeS1@seymourwhyte.com.au Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present Some cookies used are essential to providing a service while others help us improve your experience and provide us with insights into how the site is being used For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookies page Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security You may disable these by changing your browser settings but this may affect how the website functions We'd like to set Google Analytics cookies to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone For more information on how these cookies work We'd like to allow Social Media cookies to provide a richer experience These cookies will allow us the ability to list Fife Council tweets and Facebook posts audio clips & Videos on some of our pages Our videos use Youtube's privacy-enhanced mode These cookies allow us to show relevant adverts to the content you are viewing They also provide the ability to deliver targeted online advertising across other platforms like Facebook News Centre Abbeyview Community Hub was officially opened today (30 January 2025) by Communities Spokesperson Cllr Linda Erskine and City of Dunfermline Area Convener Last September staff and community groups began moving into the building but today saw the ‘official’ opening Guests were welcomed by the hub’s manager Brian Cashman before being treated to performances from Lynburn Primary School choir and Studio 21 spokesperson for communities and leisure expressed her enthusiasm: "I’m delighted to be here today for the opening of this new state-of-the-art hub in Abbeyview. “The new Abbeyview Community Hub demonstrates we’re working hard to make sure our facilities meet the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. “This innovative facility paves the way for future opportunities in Abbeyview providing the community with the space it needs to grow and thrive.” revitalised the former Local Office building by expanding to offer: Cllr James Calder said: “I’m pleased to see so many community representatives here today taking part in the official opening of Abbeyview Community Hub The local community were a key partner in designing the new Abbeyview Community Hub young people and families took part in consultation events This partnership approach has built a facility that is shaped by local people for local people and putting the community at the heart of Abbeyview Community Hub. “In the last year Fife Council has invested over £130million in the City of Dunfermline through creating the new community hub in Abbeyview and replacing St Columba’s and Woodmill High Schools at Dunfermline Learning Campus Dunfermline needs facilities that reflect this status and encourage further investment in the city and Fife.” For more information about the new Abbeyview Community Hub, visit: fife.gov.uk/abbeyviewhub To hire space at Abbeyview Community Hub, please email Dunfermline.halls-centres@fife.gov.uk Contact us Make a complaint Site map Social Media Accessibility Cookies Policy Howard Hodgkin recalled his old friend Robert Erskine’s “almost infallible” eye for quality when collecting antiquities a cardboard box full of shards of an archaic black-figure Greek pot He [Erskine] spent the next six years of his life sticking them together Then he realised there were some pieces missing and the dealer he bought them from said: ‘Oh I’ve got some pieces from the top of a wardrobe in Lord Elgin’s house and they had the name of the artist.” "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"The signature was that of Sophilos and this rare early Attic black-figured dinos (wine-bowl) and stand"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"In a talk at the Ashmolean Museum in 1992 collector and television presenter","id":"3741dc33-e721-4418-a566-5271518462a3","label":"obituary","publicationName":"TIMES","publishedTime":"2024-09-01T23:01:00.000Z","updatedTime":"2024-09-01T18:31:25.000Z","section":null,"shortIdentifier":"x2m5qtq9h","shortHeadline":"Robert Erskine collector and television presenter","seoDescription":"Maverick who was ‘supreme among the post-Kenneth Clark generation of aesthetic talking heads’","slug":"robert-erskine","categoryPath":"/uk/obituaries/article/robert-erskine-x2m5qtq9h","__typename":"Article"},"Image:03d4b3cb-82ef-4e5b-aa89-5fa6093f3c65":{"caption":"Erskine in 1954 with the prints he championed","credits":"Elsbeth Juda/Victoria and Albert Museum collector and television presenterMaverick who was ‘supreme among the post-Kenneth Clark generation of aesthetic talking heads’The TimesMonday September 02 2024 The TimesErskine in 1954 with the prints he championedELSBETH JUDA/VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM The TimesIn a talk at the Ashmolean Museum in 1992 and this rare early Attic black-figured dinos (wine-bowl) and stand A wellbeing centre opened in Forres for just a month already has more than 80 members the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) offers resources and tailored programmes from recreational activities and peer support to mental health and well-being initiatives to address the unique needs of post-service life confirmed the centre aims to empower veterans helping them transition from military service to civilian life “while rediscovering purpose and connection” "The success of the EVACN has exceeded all expectations,” he added “Reaching 80 members so quickly is a testament to the strength of the veteran community and the need for spaces like this “We’re proud to offer a hub that fosters well-being and growth for those who have given so much for our country." The Forres centre is modelled on the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC) in Bishopton which has served veterans in the west of Scotland since 2018 ERMAC’s success - signing up 466 members aged between 28 and 99 since opening its doors - inspired the expansion into the north ECACN now offers the same opportunities for connection and support - members have already reported life-changing benefits One said: “When men and women leave the armed forces many of them feel lost so having a place like this in Forres is a godsend Veterans relate to one another’s experiences and talk the same language There’s nothing else like this in the area.” Plans are in place to open additional centres and to integrate services such as the charity’s ‘Support at Home’ programme Wing Commander Cumming added: "Our veterans deserve the best For more information visit www.erskine.org.uk. To donate directly to Erskine, visit Erskine.org.uk/donate Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application      Paul Vernon Erskine of St and died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 3 2025.     Paul joined the Navy in 1955 and served aboard the USS Ticonderoga Paul came home to Michigan and met his life’s love Paul worked for over 25 years at Wolverine World Wide in Ithaca He officially started Erskine Construction in 1987 though he had always worked side jobs throughout the years Paul built many homes in mid-Michigan and completed countless construction jobs Paul went on to become the building inspector for the City of St a position he held until summer 2024.     Paul spent several years as an Elks Club member where he served on the board and volunteered his time As a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gratiot County he guided and spent time with two young men in the community who had lost their fathers Paul volunteered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1454 and served on the board of the Heroes Center in Alma Michigan.     Not only did Paul work hard And there is no stick long enough by which to measure his love for his family “time with family.” When his daughters were young He doted on his grandchildren and went out of his way to ensure he established strong bonds with them attending his granddaughter’s school events and going to see his grandson sing and play guitar and went for long drives.     Paul enjoyed nothing more than connecting with others he relished playing the sport with friends and family and dependable man who could be counted on to help in any way he could “He’d give you his last five dollars and last five minutes.”     Paul is survived by his beloved wife Donna; daughters Stephanie (Doug) Teed and Sandra (Joe Knisley) Mitchell; granddaughter Megan Green and grandsons: Adrian (Morgan) Mitchell and Liam Knisley; brother Mark (Nancy) Massaro; and many nieces Paul and Irene Erskin and sister Caroline Simmons.     Join family and friends for a memorial service and luncheon to celebrate Paul’s life on Thursday Michigan.      In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the VFW Post 1454 or the T.A Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors A new wellbeing centre for anyone who has served in the Armed Forces has opened The £1.3 million transformation of the 1864-built Victoria Hotel on Tytler Street into the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) is complete It will offer a range of support for veterans in the north of Scotland and aims to attract more visitors to the town Scaffolding appeared around The Vic’ in May after Scottish charity Erskine bought the building from previous owners Alec and Marlene Ross who had carried on running it following the death of previous owner Jock Benzie in 2019 Chief executive at Erskine, Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, confirmed EVACN has been established following extensive research into needs in Moray, home to Scotland’s highest concentration of veterans He said: “The Forres community has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life we have ensured the centre meets the needs of those it serves from veterans to their families and neighbours “This partnership is what makes EVACN truly special.” and tailored wellbeing programmes designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans With activities ranging from sports and recreation to arts and mental health initiatives the centre provides a welcoming environment where veterans of all ages can connect with one another Wg Cdr Cumming said: “Our goal is to provide a safe inclusive space where veterans can find support “The transition from military life to Civvy Street for most veterans is seamless and they thrive within their civilian communities welcoming new opportunities and building fulfilling lives challenges may arise - whether immediately or years down the line - leaving them feeling isolated support and comradeship within an active and welcoming veteran community can be a powerful way to boost both physical and mental wellbeing “That’s exactly what our EVACs are here to provide.” the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC) in the Erskine Veterans Village in Bishopton opened its doors in 2018 It has since become a cornerstone for veterans in the west of Scotland Erskine is dedicated to replicating this model ensuring that veterans in Moray and the Highlands benefit from the same opportunities for growth Wg Cdr Cumming added: "ERMAC has shown us what is possible “We have seen veterans regain their confidence and form lasting friendships while once again finding the camaraderie they cherished during their military service “Replicating this presents an incredible opportunity to help even more veterans reconnect and thrive.” Erskine has recently launched a support at home pilot service in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and plans for further activity centres are under way Wg Cdr Cumming said: "We are exploring the possibility of establishing similar Veterans Activity Centres across Scotland by 2026 and we’re honoured to lead the charge and provide futures for the brave "Our veterans have given so much for their country and it’s our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve “EVACN embodies that mission and represents a brighter future for veterans and their families Thirty years ago Michael Tucker recommended the latest manifestation of Erskine's flight from the jazz-rock of Weather Report into more esoteric climes First published in Jazz Journal December 1994 Continuing from where the fine 1992 recording You Never Know (ECM 1497) left off Time Being features a range of intelligently turned emotionally compelling compositions by Erskine and Taylor Staffan Linton and Palle Danielsson also contribute memorable themes together with the English com­poser Peter Warlock (1894-1930) a great admirer of the chromati­cism of Delius the trio’s arrangement of his Pieds makes a fitting coda to a robustly swinging session which is as har­monically adventurous as it is sensitive to space medium groove of Terraces reveals the sort of individual independence yet overall integration of lines which distinguishes such post-Evans piano trio jazz at its best: Danielsson’s ideas are especially impressive lending the requisite edge to the piece’s development The melodic appeal and ostinato rhythms of (respectively) Visa and Bulgaria conjure memories of the bassist’s folk-flavoured work with the Swedish group Rena Rama in the seventies epitomise the overall richness of resource – harmonic as much as melodic (strongly) rhythmic as much as textural – on tap throughout this beautifully recorded album DiscographyTerraces; For The Time Being; If Only I Had Known; Evansong; Page 172; Liten Visa Til Karin; Bulgaria; Ambleside; Phrase One; Palle’s Headache; Pieds-en-Tair (64.27)John Taylor (p); Palle Danielsson (b); Peter Erskine (d) © Unless otherwise indicated, all content copyright Jazz Journal 1948-2025