Erskine
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- This article is about the town in Scotland, There is also an Erskine, Minnesota.
| Erskine | |
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| Missing image RenfrewshireErskine.png Image:RenfrewshireErskine.png Erskine's location locally and nationally | |
| Demographics | |
| Population: | 15,347 (1991 Census) |
| Administration | |
| Local Goverment Region: | Renfrewshire |
| Nation: | Scotland |
| Geography | |
| Traditional County: | Renfrewshire |
| Former Region: | Strathclyde |
| Post Office and Telephone | |
| Post Town: | Erskine |
| Postcode: | PA8 |
| Dialling Code: | 0141 |
Erskine (Arasgain in Scottish Gaelic) is a commuter town in Renfrewshire, Scotland, located on the southern bank of the River Clyde at the western extent of the Glasgow conurbation.
The name Erskine derives from Eriskyne, a contraction of the Gaelic air an sgian, meaning upon the knife. It is said that a Scotsman under the command of Malcolm II uttered the phrase after slaying a Danish leader at the Battle of Murthill.
Erskine is probably best known for the suspension bridge towering high over the town which it offers its name to, the Erskine Bridge.
Famous residents
- Douglas Alexander, Member of Parliament
- Wendy Alexander, Douglas' sister and Member of Scottish Parliament
- James Sheridan, another Member of Parliament
- Ross Renton, educationalist and student leader
- Eileen Paterson, model and former Miss Scotland
- Kristy Mitchell, actress
- Ian Ferguson, footballer
- Dougie Vipond, Deacon Blue drummer and broadcaster
- Jimmy Reid, journalist and trade union activist