Army centre gets £5m boost

the Army recovery centre in Gilmerton is to receive a £5 million grant from the Royal British Legion to cover its running costs until 2020.

The 12-bed personnel recovery centre, which opened in September 2009, is the first of its kind in the UK and has already helped 57 wounded soldiers.

It is located in Mark Wright House at the Erskine Edinburgh Home, named after Paratrooper Corporal Mark Wright GC from Dalkeith, who died in Helmand Province in 2006. The Legion took over the running of the centre at the beginning of this year, with the Army providing staffing. Director General Chris Simpkins, said: "We are delighted to be providing this support for the work that is being done at Edinburgh."

Commanding officer of the centre, Major George Connelly MBE, said: "We welcome the commitment from The Royal British Legion which, in conjunction with our well established partnership with Erskine, enhances our ability to support the recovery of soldiers."