Don’t be sheepish – go purple for Erskine

Jun 8 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

FUNDRAISERS have come up with a ‘baa-rmy’ way to generate interest in their worthy cause – a flock of purple sheep.

The eye-opening sight is bemusing motorway drivers as they pass by the colourful animals.

But it’s all in a good cause to highlight popular veterans’ charity Erskine which encourages people to ‘go purple’ during its annual Erskine Week.

The animals – owned by farmer Andrew Jack – are already famous for grazing on the green grass of Livingston’s Pyramids Business Park alongside the busy M8 motorway.

They have sported a number of different colours in the past but this is the second year the big-hearted farmer has joined forces with Erskine to promote the charity.

It is part of a wider campaign to encourage people to ‘Go Purple’ during Erskine Week, which runs throughout this week.

During this time, Erskine is appealing for individuals, schools, clubs, businesses and organisations to do something purple to raise funds for ex-servicemen and women across Scotland.

Erskine fundraiser John Fyfe said: “We are delighted to have the support of the Pyramid Business Park once again for Erskine Week 2011.

“I would encourage all of Erskine’s supporters to take the lead of these sheep and join our flock by going purple for Erskine Week.

“We need to raise £22,000 a day to provide services to the veterans in our care across Scotland and, if you can go purple and raise money for our cause, you will be making a huge difference to their lives.”

John added: “It is not too late to support Erskine Week and raise funds for the veterans in our care.

“Every little bit of money raised can help make a huge difference to the lives of ex-service personnel across Scotland.”

For further information about Erskine Week, log on to www.erskine.org.uk/erskineweek

You can also request a fundraising pack by calling 0141 814 4555 or sending an e-mail to fundraising@ erskine.org.uk