Dr Ian, a former Army doctor and much-loved GP, now lives at an Erskine care home in Bishopton, where he is supported through ABF funding.
Born in 1934 in Bishopton, a village in Renfrewshire, Scotland, Dr Ian has a lifelong connection to both the area and Erskine itself. His father served as the local GP, running the surgery from the family home. As a child, Ian spent time playing in the grounds of the historic Erskine Hospital nearby, exploring the woods and watching ships sail along the River Clyde.
After studying medicine at the University of Glasgow, he went on to become a GP, affectionately known by patients and colleagues alike as “Dr Ian”.
Alongside his civilian medical career, Dr Ian served with the Royal Army Medical Corps. He undertook delayed National Service in Hong Kong while completing his medical training, where he worked closely with Gurkha soldiers and their families. During his time there, he even compiled a medical phrasebook in Cantonese to help improve communication in the field hospital.
As he grew older, Dr Ian required more care and support than he could receive at home, and he moved into the Erskine care home in Bishopton.
Now a resident at Erskine, a long‑standing partner of the Army Benevolent Fund, Dr Ian has settled in quickly and is already a much‑loved member of the community. Always smartly dressed and with an infectious smile, he has embraced life at the home with enthusiasm.
Erskine is the only charity in Scotland providing care homes exclusively for veterans and their spouses. Through regular and significant funding, our charity helps Erskine provide enhanced care, companionship and meaningful activities for veterans like Dr Ian, enabling them to continue living full and connected lives.