Campbell Ogilvie and Martin Gibson last night hailed the partnership that Hearts and Erskine have entered into which sees the charity become and official partner to the Tynecastle club for 2009-10.

Speaking at yesterday's launch at Tynecastle both shared their delight that Hearts, a club with enormous traditions and Erskine, who do incredible work with serving personnel, have joined forces to raise awareness and funds.

"I think it is unique," Campbell said. "We are very proud to be associated with Erskine, going back to 1914 and McCrae's Battalion.

"This lets us work in the current day with Erskine and the ex-service men and women. There are lots of initiatives that we will be focusing on."

Colonel Gibson, Erskine's chief executive, added: "When we were approached by Hearts we were really chuffed.

"We care for 40 people at our home in Edinburgh and there are another 48 places coming online in August of which part of it is building a wing, the pathfinder wing.

"This is the first in the UK working with the Ministry of Defence if they become casualties like the guys you saw today.

"As a former Royal Scot it does a huge amount for me. You go to Haymarket and you see the War Memorial and the fans flock there to pay their respect, and then the players and the officials.

"It is something that is very unique to Edinburgh, Hearts and Scotland, and it is paving the way for the rest of the UK. We welcome this opportunity.

"Specifically we will have residents here at matches. We will have staff here as well who are key to Erskine and then the relationship with the fans and the schools project. This is another thing about Hearts - they work so hard at it. They are a family club.

"There is huge potential there."

Play your part! Hearts and Erskine have launched a campaign to raise £4,000 for a Hearts MOTOmed exercise bike - get all the details here!

On Hearts.TV today - Full coverage from the Erskine launch including Michael Stewart, Campbell Ogilvie, Lance Corporal Paul Rafferty, Lance Corporal Doguie McLean, Lance Corporal Robert Reid and Erskine CEO Martin Gibson plus all the action from the first team and U19s (7-0) win over Kilmarnock from the weekend