MORTON honoured military servicemen and women ahead of Remembrance Day by carrying the name of veterans' charity Erskine on their shirts in Friday night's televised clash against Dunfermline at Cappielow and inviting two former soldiers to lead the teams out.

Veteran Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Jim Boyland and Andy McEntee were centre stage as the players came onto the pitch.

The Ton, the first professional Scottish football side to carry the name of a veterans' charity on its kits, ensured that Jim and Andy’s fellow veterans were in attendance thanks to a raft of complimentary tickets being made available to the organisation.

The away kit shirt sponsorship was the inspiration of Morton director Ross Gourdie, himself a former RAF serviceman and a current representative of club sponsor Dalrada Technology UK.

His influence, along with the backing of the Dalrada Group, made it possible for the away shirt sponsorship to be gifted to Erskine.

Ross said: “The charity is close to my heart, I spent nearly 10 years in the Royal Air Force, and I have always been aware of the fantastic work Erskine does.

"After visiting the village and getting to meet some of the excellent staff and volunteers, it was clear to see what a wonderful and caring environment they’ve created.”

Jim and Andy attend the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC) in Bishopton – just one of several services Erskine offers – providing veterans with the opportunity to learn new skills, explore a number of interests and access support services.

The charity, based in Renfrewshire and Edinburgh, also has care homes and a veterans village, including 44 cottages, an activities centre, five assisted living apartments and 24 transitional supported apartments.

They provide round-the-clock specialist care for veterans aged between 17 and 103 years of age, many of whom have fought in conflicts such as World War Two, the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Erskine chief executive, Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, said: “Erskine veterans and staff were delighted to attend Cappielow on Friday evening to watch the match between Greenock Morton and Dunfermline.

"As one of the oldest senior Scottish clubs, Morton is very well known to our veterans past and present.”