Ellon Royal British Legion Branch
The British Legion was founded by Field Marshal Douglas Haig, the 1st Earl Haig, on May 15th, 1921, to care for those who had served in the Armed Forces during WWI. The Ellon Branch of the Legion was formed as a support group shortly after during a meeting of the Comrades of the Great War held in the New Inn, Ellon.
Since then, the Legion in Ellon has continued to support ex-servicemen and women living in the Ellon area of Aberdeenshire, particularly those returning from conflicts that have occurred since WWI including, most recently, in Afghanistan. We are here to support local serving armed forces personnel, veterans and their dependents emotionally, socially and financially. Membership is open to everyone.
In 1971, the Legion was granted Royal status and became the Royal British Legion in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Royal British Legion Scotland, North of the border. At the annual conference of the Royal British Legion Scotland in 2014, the name Legion Scotland as adopted.
In Scotland, there are nearly 170 branches of which Ellon is one. In common with other British Legion branches throughout the United Kingdom, we organise our local Remembrance Day Parade in November each year. Remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, regardless of age or conflict, remains a top priority for Legion Scotland. Not so widely known, but of equal importance, the Branch are also involved in the care and maintenance of the Ellon War Memorial .
Most people associate the Royal British Legion with Remembrance Day and Poppy selling in November. Whilst these activities are the mainstay of Legion Scotland , the other important function is to generate income from fundraising events within the Ellon area throughout the year. All monies raised is for the benefit of Scottish Charities which are chosen annually by the Membership of the Branch.
The Branch holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 19:000hrs in the Ellon Royal British Legion Social Club with the Annual General Meeting taking place on the first Thursday of January each year.
The present Committee have adopted a clear policy of providing the membership with a full welfare and entertainments system, while also providing a welcoming Club for their use.
The Committee also have a policy of welcoming any guests of members and fellow Legionnaires visiting Ellon to our Club, where they can take part in any of its activities.
The Ellon Branch is a Registered Charity incorporated within the Royal
British Legion Scotland SCIO
Scottish Charity No. SC003323