A Renfrewshire brewery has announced an exclusive new craft beer in honour of Scotland’s largest veterans charity.

Produced by Paisley-based brewery Two Towns Down, the beer will be called The Vanishing Willows, in a nod to Erskine Veterans Charity's First World War origins.

Erskine founder Sir William Macewen created the charity in 1916 in response to the urgent need for artificial limbs for veterans.

Having asked the Principal of the University of Glasgow if he could use two willow trees from the university’s grounds, the Principal told Macewen that it shouldn’t be a problem, but that he should submit a formal request. Much to the Principal’s surprise, upon going for a walk that same afternoon he saw that the two willows had already vanished.

The launching of the beer also signals the start of a charity partnership between Erskine and Two Towns Down. Erskine Veterans played a vital part in the process by taste-testing a number of the brewer’s beers to help choose the perfect pint for the job.

Glasgow Times:

As a former employee of Glasgow’s Tennent's Brewery, 87-year-old army Veteran Tommy Dickie was well placed to judge.

He said: “It has been a pleasure to help the partnership get off to a flying start by doing something I really enjoy… sampling a pint. Hopefully, this beer will vanish off the shelves – just like those willows vanished all those years ago.”

Liz McKelvie, Two Towns Down brewery manager, added: “Coming from Renfrewshire, Erskine is a charity close to our heart. We are delighted to support Erskine and we hope The Vanishing Willows is a huge success and enjoyed by the Veterans.”