Erskine chief executive Martin Gibson today praised Hearts as "pioneers" after the ex-service men and women charity became the Tynecastle side's Official Charity Partner for 2009-2010.

Former Royal Scot Gibson was speaking at today's launch here earlier this afternoon at Tynecastle amid a blaze of media publicity.

"It's a great day," he told Hearts.TV. "It has taken time to get it together, but this partnership is going to be a success.

"It's unique and based on tradition, military tradition and I regard Hearts as being on its own as far that is concerned.

"They were pioneers back in 1914 and once again they are being pioneers now.

"They are looking at the requirements of the young men and women who put their lives on the line, including residents of the Edinburgh Erskine home, who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.

"Hearts have invited us to be their charity partner for next season and these are exciting times."

Click to view the first fundraising pack from Erskine and Hearts and help us raise £4,000 for a Hearts MOTOmed Movement Therapy Bike

On Hearts.TV today - Full coverage from the Erskine launch including Michael Stewart, Campbell Ogilvie, Corporal Paul Rafferty, Corporal Dougie McLean, and Erskine CEO Martin Gibson