Erskine is set to build 24 flats for former members of the armed forces in Bishopton

A charity which supports ex-service men and women has announced plans to create a veterans village.

Erskine is set to build 24 flats for former members of the armed forces in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

The homes are being created in response to higher than average levels of homelessness amongst veterans – with those who have served 10% more likely to end up homeless than other Scots.

The flats will be for single people who formerly served in the navy, army or air force or associated services, and will be available for rent.

Each apartment will have a double bedroom, living room, en-suite shower room, kitchenette and will be let furnished or unfurnished. There will also be access to a communal recreation and TV area.

The building will complement the 44 veterans’ cottages already on the site, which have been let to families for a number of years.

Erskine chief executive Steve Conway said: “Building apartments for younger veterans is just one of several initiatives we are taking forward this year to extend our service provision.

“We envisage a true veterans village which will support many more veterans enabling them to access advice, accommodation and employment.”

A number of apartments will provide accommodation for veterans working with Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) which is also opening on the estate in June.

Renfrewshire-based social enterprise SBMC is projected to help more than 40 ex-servicemen and women every year through direct, flexible employment in the factory producing rail and road signs; wooden products and providing print mail and fulfilment services.