Dunfermline Athletic gives a firkin for Erskine

DAFC have donated a firkin (72 pints) of a very special beer to the Erskine Home, at Bishopton, which cares for Scottish veterans of the Armed Forces and their families.

This is the 'Lest We Forget' Real Ale, brewed by John Reade, at the Abbot Brewhouse, Dunfermline. As part of Dunfermline Athletic's World War I Day being held at East End Park on Sunday 10 August (12 noon -5pm), the Club asked John to research what a fine ale available in 1914 might have been like. In response, John has created 'Lest We Forget' Real Ale. John has used only methods and ingredients which would have been appropriate at the outbreak of the First World War.

The Club decided to donate a firkin of the ale to both Erskine and also the British Army Personnel Recovery Centre, Edinburgh, which is sponsored by Erskine and the Royal British Legion. Ross McArthur, Director of Dunfermline Athletic commented:-

"The Club is very well aware of the importance of its heritage. In particular, at the time of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, our thoughts have turned towards the players and supporters who served in that conflict. Many were wounded, and a distressing number were killed. Their story is really the story of the town of Dunfermline, and the villages of West Fife in the Great War. As a Club we wanted to support the work of Erskine and also Poppyscotland, for whom we have a fundraising event planned later in the year, as the work of caring for our veterans never stops."

Kenny McLachlan and Donald Adamson took the barrel to the Erskine Home last week on behalf of the Club, along with John Reade who ensured that it was set up properly, ready to drink very shortly. They were met and thanked by Erskine Chief Executive, Steve Conway, who proved to have a considerable knowledge of Real Ale, and was intrigued by this unique gift.

All those who would like to sample 'Lest We Forget' should come to East End Park on Sunday 10 August.