Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ veteran Brian Warren.
By Judith Haw
For six years, summer visitors to Loch Lomond Shores may have enjoyed the bagpipes played by Dumbarton Veteran Captain Bryan Warren as he fundraised for Erskine. This year the pipes fell silent due to Covid restrictions but undeterred Bryan continued to fundraise for the Veterans’ charity, just in a slightly different way.
Three times a week, in a shortened summer season, Bryan stood outside the shopping complex with an Erskine collecting bucket and leaflets. Displaying so many of the admirable traits of a Veteran including entrepreneurial spirit; determination; loyalty and a strong work ethic; Bryan raised a staggering £4,620.35.
Bryan, age 82, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, has now raised a phenomenal £23,600 for fellow Veterans since he began fundraising by the banks of Loch Lomond.
Erskine Community Fundraiser Jim Watret said: “Hats off to Bryan from everyone at Erskine for his dedication in supporting our residents. He is a remarkable man and we are in awe of the time and effort he puts into raising money for us. To raise over £4,500 during a global pandemic is such an incredible achievement and we cannot thank him enough. Thanks also to the management of Loch Lomond Shores for allowing Bryan to fundraise on their premises.”
Bryan attends Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre in Bishopton. Centre Manager Debs Dickson said: “Before the pandemic Bryan enjoyed spending time with our IT Tutor developing his skills on his IPad. A valued member of the centre he always looked to contribute for example by playing the bagpipes at our Burns Supper and most recently recording a video at Loch Lomond for our Armed Forced Day Zoom celebration. It is fantastic he is out there fundraising for us and we are proud of his achievements.”