Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC North) in Forres has raised a phenomenal total of £12,400 at their Coffee Morning held in November 2025, with all funds going towards the renovation of the Centre’s kitchen.
An incredible total of £3,100 was raised at the event. This was then very kindly triple matched with a donation of £9,300 by the Edrington Group, who own the Macallan Distillery. A huge thanks to Jim Murdoch, an employee at Macallan, who helped organise the coffee morning and secured the triple-matched funding from Edrington Group, who are owned by the Robertson Trust.
Centre members currently enjoy regular soup and sandwich lunches, but a new, fully functioning kitchen will create opportunities to expand and vary the menu, while also introducing cooking as an additional activity within the centre’s already busy social calendar.
Upgrading the EVACN kitchen will support veterans’ health and wellbeing, particularly those who live alone or face daily challenges, while continuing to provide a safe, welcoming space for friendship, routine, purpose, and support. Sharing freshly prepared meals in good company will make a meaningful difference to many members.
Shaun Moat, Chair of the Members Committee at EVACN, said, “This is about more than a kitchen. It’s about making sure no veteran walks out of here hungry or unseen. A warm meal and a bit of chat can pull you out of a dark place. I’m incredibly proud of what our members, volunteers, and supporters achieved, especially seeing the total raised more than triple last year’s amount.”
David Grant, Centre Manager at EVACN, added,“The generosity shown was outstanding. Every raffle prize, every home bake, and every cup of tea played a part. Thanks to this fundraising, we’ll be able to provide proper hot lunches on site, something our members have been asking for and will really benefit from.”
Michael Parkes, North Fundraising and Development Manager, said,“The total of £12,400 is transformational for a member-led project like this. With the support of Jim, Edrington, and everyone who came along, we can now move forward with the refurbishment and deliver what our veterans deserve – warmth, dignity, and support.”
Photo 1: Jim Murdoch presenting the cheque to Vice Chair Garry Burgess.
Photo 2: Jim Murdoch presenting the cheque to Julie Lockwood (Volunteer), Michael Parkes (Fundraising Manager North), Nicky Jones (Activities Co-ordinator), and Garry Burgess (Vice Chair of Members Committee).