Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North in Forres

That the Parliament commends the staff and volunteers of the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre in Forres for their contribution to the wellbeing of the armed forces community in Moray and across the Highlands and Islands region; notes that the £1.3 million centre opened its doors in December 2024; understands that its membership has grown from over 300 at the time of opening to around 700 veterans now; further understands that the centre offers free access to counselling, gym facilities, art classes, IT courses and financial advice; notes that Scotland's Census 2022 recorded 176,100 UK armed forces veterans living in Scotland, with Moray hosting the highest proportion of any local authority area; understands that research by the Royal British Legion found that one in four respondents from the armed forces community felt lonely or socially isolated, and that leaving the armed forces was the most commonly cited cause; believes that centres of this kind are vital in tackling isolation, supporting mental health and easing financial hardship among those who have served; recognises the generosity of the people, businesses and community organisations of Forres and the surrounding area, who have given money, goods and time to the centre since before it opened, and wishes everyone connected with it well.