Poppyscotland – Page 3 – The NEN

Amazon donates to armed forces charity

A Scottish charity for veterans of the British Armed Forces has received a £1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline in honour of Remembrance Day.

Poppyscotland provides support for current and former members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, living in Scotland. The charity maintains a safe space for men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the armed forces or with their struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.

This is the third year in a row that Amazon in Dunfermline has donated to Poppyscotland. This year, the donation will go towards the charity’s welfare services for the Armed Forces community, providing advice and support to those struggling with finances, employment, housing, mobility needs, mental or physical health issues and more.

Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Amazon has long been a proud supporter of the UK’s armed forces community and we’re pleased to make this donation to Poppyscotland.

“The work done by the charity’s staff and volunteers does not go unnoticed in our community.”

Megan Wright, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “My family has received so much support from the team at Poppyscotland.

I’m happy that Amazon can help the charity with this donation.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland , added: “The team at Poppyscotland and I would like to say a big thank you to Jamie and our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline for this generous donation. We appreciate all the support we can get, and with donations like this, we can provide help to the men and women who need it most.”

“Every penny will help us offer life-changing welfare support to Scotland’s Armed Forces community, helping with housing, employment, finances, mental and physical health issues, and more.”

“We’re also delighted to hear how Amazon is supporting veterans making the transition to civilian life, assisting them in training for new careers after service.”

The donation to Poppyscotland was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

Almost a decade ago, Amazon signed The Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant has a focus on helping the Armed Forces community to access the same support from Government and commercial services as the public.

Last year, Amazon increased its support of the military community by growing its partnership with the Royal British Legion.

The partnership, which began two years ago, sees Amazon encourage customers to support the Royal British Legion through an official charity store, featuring products that raise money for the Legion. All proceeds from the sale of goods go directly to the charity. Amazon also offers customers the opportunity to support the Royal British Legion through Amazon Smile.

In addition to several support programmes for the Royal British Legion and other services charities, Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.

Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.

HRH The Princess Royal re-opens refurbished Lady Haig Poppy Factory

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal called into Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday 19th January) to officially re-open the campus following a two-year refurbishment.

Her Royal Highness toured the factory and its new exhibition space, and chatted to staff, before visiting Poppyscotland’s mobile museum, Bud.

The factory, founded in 1926, will now re-open to visitors and school groups following the project to showcase its history and heritage. Thirty-three disabled veterans work in the factory on Logie Green Road, making more than three million poppies each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as wreaths and other tributes.

Her Royal Highness was met by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Brigadier Dr John Reid Thomson, who is also chair of the factory, Poppyscotland’s President, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Helen Owen, chair of Poppyscotland, and factory manager, Major Charlie Pelling.

David Adamson, a wreath maker and tour guide, who served for 22 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, gave her a tour of the factory, introducing the team.

During her visit, she spent time talking to the veterans about their experiences and the different stages of making poppies and wreaths. She signed a “reflection postcard” which will form part of a wall display in the factory.

She also met Summer Saunders and Kate Miller, both 17, from Ayr, who designed a silk red poppy dress as part of the “Junk Kouture” sustainability project and Sophie Henderson, 14, from Ayrshire, who won Poppyscotland’s 2020 poetry competition with her poem “In Future Fields”, a response to John McRae’s 1915 “In Flanders Fields”.

Her Royal Highness then toured Bud, the 18-tonne truck which transforms into a micro-museum, that has now travelled to every local authority in Scotland. She unveiled a plaque before being presented with a framed copy of both poems by Ms Owen.

Poppyscotland’s Director, Austin Hardie, said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to officially re-open our newly refurbished factory and campus today.

“ This is the culmination of two years of hard work to ensure we have a modern facility dedicated to supporting Scotland’s veterans’ community.

“We are very proud of our heritage, and this marks an exciting new chapter in the factory’s 97-year history. We are looking forward to welcoming school groups and the wider public to the factory and exhibition space, telling the story of the poppy to new generations.”

Ms Owen said: “We are very grateful to Her Royal Highness for taking the time to meet the team involved in this exciting project, as well as her continued support for our Armed Forces community.

“The veterans enjoyed showing her how poppies and wreaths are hand-made using traditional methods, and explaining the unique history of the factory.”

Mr Adamson said: “She was very interested in everything, and took the time to speak to as many of the guys as possible. She also noticed the big difference from last time she visited.”

To find out more about Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory or book a tour, go to:

www.poppyscotland.org.uk/lady-haigs-poppy-factory.

Scotland remembers on Armistice Day

Communities across Scotland fell silent at 11am today (Friday 11^th November) to mark Armistice Day and remember those who laid down their lives in defence of our nation.

Veterans, members of the Armed Services and the public came together around the country to pay tribute, including children of serving military personnel paying their respects in Dunblane.

The First World War came to an end at 11am on the 11^th of November, 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. Each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to the fallen from that and other conflicts at the same time.

While the service and wreath-laying could not go ahead as planned at Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens due to high winds, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, joined Legion Scotland and veterans to reflect at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Legion Scotland National Padre Revd Dr Karen Campbell led a short service, before wreaths were laid.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom, from the First World War to more recent conflicts. Today is about remembering them, as well as those servicemen and women who came back with mental or physical injuries.

“We were very disappointed that the planned service at Princes Street Gardens could not go ahead due to the weather warnings, but public safety has to be paramount. While the service was much smaller than planned, we were glad that veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and elsewhere were able to join us in paying tribute, while people across Scotland observed the two minutes silence.”

SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.

Retired Army Major Andrew Johnstone, from Brisbane, Australia, joined the service at the factory. He said: “When you sign up, you sign a blank cheque that you are prepared to give your life for your country.

“I know many who are not here today because of that, and it’s important that we remember them.”

Aidan Stephen, from Edinburgh, who served as a Major with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, was among those paying tribute in Edinburgh City Centre. He said: “We just can’t forget. There isn’t a single person in my family who has not been affected by conflict in some way. I think of them today, as well as the friends I’ve lost.”

Pupils at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, which has been looking after the children of UK service personnel since 1908, visited Bud, Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum. They learned more about the origins of the poppy as our national symbol of remembrance and the vital work Poppyscotland still undertakes supporting the Armed Forces community today.

S1 student Ruby May Gibson, whose father and brother are both currently serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My brother, my dad and my grandparents all served so this is an important day for me. On Armistice Day I think about the people who fought and died for us.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the poppy on Bud. I think it is so important that we always remember.”

Armistice Day is followed tomorrow by “Poppy Saturday”, a day when streets and shopping centres will be filled with thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers as the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal approaches its culmination.

One day later, Scotland will again fall silent to mark Remembrance Sunday. The First Minister will join military and civic leaders, serving personnel and veterans at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh at 11am, with local Remembrance Sunday events taking place in communities across the country.

SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Sienna Patounas (S1) lays a poppy in the Garden of Remembrance at Queen Victoria School.

BGT star Colin Thackery’s moving tribute on Edinburgh Poppy Day

Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery paid an emotional tribute to fallen comrades as he performed at the city’s annual Poppy Day yesterday (THURS 3^rd NOV).

The Chelsea pensioner and Korean war veteran, who became the talent show’s oldest ever winner in 2019, joined the fundraising concert at St Andrew Square, hosted by BFBS The Forces Station.

He performed alongside the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, acclaimed folk musician Alan Brydon, Royal Navy veteran Richard Kerr, and George Heriot’s Pipe Band, while visitors also enjoyed a display of historic vehicles in the square.

The city centre blossomed with poppies as scores of collectors hit streets, supermarkets and shopping centres to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal. They were boosted by groups from Legion Scotland, the Armed Forces, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and local and national businesses.

Poppyscotland’s Bud mobile museum opened its doors to the public on Waverley Bridge, inviting people of all ages to explore the history of remembrance and try their hands at making their own poppy.

The event is the Scottish Poppy Appeal’s largest fundraising event in the Capital, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds to supports its welfare work with the Armed Forces community.

Colin, 92, who served in the Royal Artillery, will also be performing at the Festival of Remembrance at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Saturday night (NOV 5^th).

Colin said: “The response here in Edinburgh has been extraordinary and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Having done it for many years myself, it is great to see so many out collecting on the streets, in all weathers.

“It’s very gratifying to see how much support there is, and I find it heart-warming to see people wearing poppies. I have been in battles and the people we are remembering are the guys who didn’t make it home.

“For veterans, it is always good to know that Poppyscotland is there if they or their families ever need support, or even just a friendly face.”

Collector Ian Foster, from Falkirk, who served for 15 years with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, said: “We’ve had a wonderful response from the public today. This is a very special time of year for me, and I always feel humbled and grateful when I see people wearing poppies and showing their support.”

Hamish McGregor, a volunteer Area Organiser for Poppyscotland and Royal Army Medical Corps veteran, said: “For me, the poppy is symbolic of a young person’s heart. Every time I give someone a poppy, I think of the young people who gave their lives over the years.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “There’s been a fantastic atmosphere today, and we’ve been delighted to see all the talent on show at the concert. The public has really taken Colin to their hearts.

“We have had magnificent support from the Armed Forces community, Edinburgh businesses, and all the volunteers who have given up their time to help today.

“We were also pleased to see so many people of all ages taking the chance to explore Bud, and learn more about the history of the poppy and role of remembrance in Scotland.

“Our Armed Forces do remarkable things to protect us and our way of life, despite never having met us. Wearing a poppy is a way to show that you care, and that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

“All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue it vital, life-changing work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families throughout Scotland.”

For more information on the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal visit poppyscotland.org.uk. Tickets for the Festival of Remembrance cost £12 and are available from Dundee City Box office via their website or by calling 01382 434940.

Armed Services join forces to launch Scottish Poppy Appeal

Service personnel past and present launched this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal at a ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday (MONDAY 24^th OCT).

The sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community were honoured at the official opening of the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance, which also marked the start of the annual Appeal.

Senior members of all three Armed Services, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Ian Campbell, and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson joined forces for the launch, highlighting the importance of the remembrance period and outlining why wearing a poppy remains vital.

Lt Col Campbell, Commander of Edinburgh Garrison, said: “Throughout my career at this time of year I have paused to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by those who have gone before.

“I think of those fellow soldiers I have served with who have done their duty by their country in the heat and cold, wet and dry, 24 hours a day and seven days a week at peace, on operations and at war to protect the nation and defend our way of life.

“I have been reassured by the quite outstanding work conducted over the many years by Poppyscotland in support of those who have needed, and in many cases still do, help to overcome challenges that some face once they hang up their uniforms for the last time.”

Brigadier Muddiman, Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland added: “Sacrifice is something that should always be acknowledged and the Remembrance period is when we collectively as a nation remember those service personnel who gave their lives in order to ensure our way of life continues.

“It’s gratifying to see people wearing the poppy because it shows that people do care and that they are happy to outwardly display that. It reminds everyone that we have entered that period when we should be remembering those souls who did not return from battlefield and acknowledging that our country retains the freedom it has as a result of that sacrifice.”

Three million poppies are being distributed throughout Scotland as part of the country’s largest fundraising appeal, supporting Poppyscotland’s welfare and advice services. The charity’s army of thousands of volunteers are hitting the streets, as well as collecting in supermarkets and delivering poppies to shops, businesses and schools.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “This is a chance to recognise the extraordinary service our Armed Forces offer to the country, and how they risk everything to protect each one of us, despite never having met us.

“Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans and their families, their service and sacrifice means something to you and will never be forgotten. All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“This is needed more than ever, as we are seeing an increasing demand for our services due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

The service of remembrance was led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, before a wreath-laying ceremony which included The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided music, as well as piper Angus Adams from George Heriot’s School.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland added: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is essential that we continue to honour and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Today’s ceremony is an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to all who have served over the years.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the garden over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”

People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at

www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Edinburgh and the Lothians to light up red for Scottish Poppy Appeal

Dozens of Edinburgh and the Lothians’ most iconic landmarks, tourist destinations and businesses are being urged to “Light Up Red” in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

From castles to council buildings, schools to statues, Poppyscotland is encouraging buildings across Scotland to take part in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13^th.

The charity hopes to surpass last year’s record total of around 300 buildings taking part nationwide, including Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Airport, Cockenzie House & Gardens, and Loanhead Parish Church.

Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to join Poppyscotland in showing support for the Armed Forces community.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, servicemen and women and their families.

Three million poppies, handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, are already on their journey around the country.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It’s always wonderful to see so many landmarks across Edinburgh and the Lothians lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal. This is a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visual support for their contribution, past and present.

“We’ve been delighted how this idea has captured people’s imaginations, and are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and other organisations.

“Of course, with current concerns over energy costs, we understand that not every building will be lighting up this year. But if they already have external lighting, then we’d encourage them to consider adding red filters in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.”

For more information about how to Light Up Red for Poppyscotland and the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red

Poppyscotland sows new life into Edinburgh gardens thanks to £15,000 donation from Scotmid

Poppyscotland has been given the funding to bring new life to the gardens at New Haig House in Edinburgh, thanks to a £15,000 donation from Scotmid Co-operative.

Their flagship centre is undergoing a major refurbishment project, transforming the surrounding gardens and buildings to make the site a more attractive and enriching place for veterans and visitors.

Poppyscotland also plans to commission a veteran skilled in carpentry design and build a Scotmid Reflection Bench from native timber. This bench will give visitors a place to sit and reflect on the charity’s Exhibition Gallery, which features meaningful conversations around the work of the armed forces.

A Scotmid Volunteer Shelter will also be erected in the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We’re honoured to support Poppyscotland and its refurbishment project at New Haig House in Edinburgh. “We hope that the new additions will create a beautiful space for veterans and visitors, and we can’t wait to come back and see it all once the refurbishment has been completed!”

Austin Hardie, Director at Poppyscotland said: “We believe those who serve or have served our country, deserve support to live life fully and without disadvantage, after their time in the Armed Forces.

“New Haig House gardens offer a peaceful and reflective space. We’re extremely grateful for Scotmid’s generous grant for the project and look forward to its completion.”

Pictured (left to right): Gordon Michie (Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland), Austin Hardie (Director of Poppyscotland), John Brodie (Chief Executive of Scotmid), Harry Cairney (Scotmid President) & Kerry Crichton (Deputy Head of Learning and Outreach at Poppyscotland)

Pupils reflect on remembrance with Poppyscotland learning programme

Poppyscotland has launched new learning resources for pupils of all ages, encouraging them to reflect on the history of the poppy and role of remembrance.

Pupils at Stromness Primary School on Orkney launched the new learning programme onboard Bud, Poppyscotland’s mobile museum on Monday (SEPT 26^th), as it clocked up an important milestone having now visited all 32 local authority areas in its first two years on the road.

The 18-tonne truck, which transforms into an interactive learning space, has been traveling the length and breadth of the country since 2019, visiting schools and communities. Having had an enforced lockdown layover for over a year, Bud is now busier than ever with its calendar full well into 2023.

Bud is just one part of an ever-growing Learning programme run by Poppyscotland, which also includes physical resources that are sent to every school in Scotland each year, an annual competition and a newly-launched website containing around 100 different lesson plans, videos and other resources for teachers and youth leaders to access.

All resources have been developed in conjunction with Education Scotland and the Royal British Legion Scotland, and link to Curriculum for Excellence.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very excited to launch our 2022 educational resources and our new learning website. It is significant to do so on Orkney as it marks the final part of Scotland to be visited by Bud since it launched in 2019.

“Together, these offer schools and youth groups a wealth of innovative and engaging resources, looking at topics from First World War poetry to the Kindertransport and more recent conflicts. They stimulate discussion and learning around our recent history and help young people explore the relevance of remembrance in modern-day Scotland.

“We’re also delighted to invite entries for this year’s Learning Competition, asking children to share their own personal responses by imagining the “the day war started”. This is particularly timely given the current conflict in Ukraine, and the plight of child refugees around the world.”

From early 2023, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh will once again welcome visitors following a three-year refurbishment programme. There, they will have the opportunity to meet the team of disabled veterans who make three million poppies and 20,000 wreaths each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as learn about the remarkable history of the poppy.

Mr Michie continued: “The reopening of the Poppy Factory will be the culmination of three years’ hard work.

“The vastly enhanced visitor experience will offer a fascinating insight to the rich heritage of this remarkable little flower, as well as the chance to meet our team and see how the poppies are made.”

Helga Moss, a teacher from Stromness Primary School, said: “The visit from Bud was absolutely fantastic and there was something for children of all ages.

“The pupils were really engaged, and especially enjoyed the hands-on activities such as making their own poppies.”

All resources on Poppyscotland’s Learning website are free for teachers, youth leaders, parents and carers to download.

Schools can also book a visit from Bud and follow its journey around the country.

Swimming star Duncan Scott helps Scottish Poppy Appeal go for gold

Scotland’s most decorated swimmer Duncan Scott MBE joined forces with veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory yesterday to help send three million poppies for the Scottish Poppy Appeal on their way to communities across the country.

The multiple Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist, whose father and uncle served in the British Army, took time out from his training regime to lend a hand loading poppies onto lorries. These will now be delivered around Scotland ahead of this year’s Appeal, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13th.

A team of 34 disabled veterans have spent the last 11 months making each poppy by hand ahead of Scotland’s largest fundraising street campaign. An army of volunteers will now distribute them across the country, with all donations going to support Poppyscotland’s vital work supporting the Armed Forces community.

Duncan Scott said: “‘I’m honoured to be visiting Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today and seeing first-hand the fantastic work they do.

“With both my father and uncle having served in the Armed Forces, I’m incredibly grateful to the veterans and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide poppies to the whole of Scotland.”

Now in its 101^st year, the poppy is an enduring symbol of remembrance, representing reflection on the past and hope for a peaceful future. The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland, raising more than £2 million each year.

All money raised, as well as Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising, enables the charity to deliver a wide range of services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “After two difficult years due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re hoping for a return to normal this year. Our tens of thousands of volunteers are looking forward to getting fully back out on streets, shopping centres and supermarkets around the country, meeting the public and offering poppies to everyone who chooses to wear one.

“We’re very grateful to our fantastic team of veterans who have worked tirelessly all year to produce the millions of poppies for this year’s Appeal. Today’s uplift is a special moment for all of them, as these poppies start their journey across Scotland.

“This year’s Appeal is more important than ever, as we’re seeing increasing demand for our services as more families struggle with the rising cost of living. Our servicemen and women, and their families, make extraordinary sacrifices on our behalf, so we want to ensure that we are always there to provide support when they need it.”

Two’s company for visually-impaired Edinburgh and Lothian cyclists

Lothian tandem riders are gearing up for Poppyscotland’s popular Sportive event, proving visual impairment is no barrier to cycling.

Edinburgh-based Vie Velo cycling club pairs sighted “pilots” with blind and visually-impaired riders for regular social bike rides.

Now 30 group members have challenged themselves to complete the Sportive on Sunday 25^th September, cycling up to 68 miles on routes through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

They will join around 1000 cyclists at the event, which is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Now in its seventh year, it has already raised more than £250,000 to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

This year’s Sportive aims to be the most inclusive ever, opening up the route to tandems and e-bike users.

Ken Reid, 63, from North Berwick, chair of Vie Velo, took up tandem riding in 1990 when he found his eyesight deteriorating due to retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive condition.

He helped set up the club in 2019 with the support of Cycling UK and grants from RS MacDonald Charitable Trust and Transport Scotland.

They now have almost 90 members, with around one third affected by visual impairment, and meet at Saughton Park for bike rides at least twice a month.

Ken said: “We were looking for a challenge for our group and were keen to support Poppyscotland. We felt there was a close connection since many veterans in Scotland are affected by sight loss.

“I kept cycling solo as long as I could when I realised I was losing my sight. But then I decided to buy a tandem and found a group of mates who would take turns to go out with me.

“We were delighted to be able to set up the club to get more blind and partially-sighted people engaged in cycling. We’d like more people to know about us and be aware they have the option of getting back on a bike again.

“The most important thing in tandem riding is trust. You have to place all your trust in the pilot, and that can be a big change if you’re used to having control. But it’s also great fun and very sociable – we’re not racers and all our weekend rides include stops for coffee and cake!”

The Sportive, sponsored by Fred.Olson Renewables, will start and finish at Prestonpans Community Centre. Entrants can choose between three routes of different lengths, taking in stunning coastal and country roads. The most challenging 102-mile route covers the Lammermuirs, before dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the riders from Vie Velo, and very grateful for their support. They are truly inspirational and really do show that cycling can be for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

“We’re excited that the Sportive is returning to East Lothian and the Borders after a two-year break. This year’s event aims to be the most inclusive ever, and we’re encouraging riders of all abilities to take part, whether on a traditional bike, an e-bike or a tandem.

“The Sportive is always very popular, but there’s still time to join in, get fit, and raise funds for a great cause Participants can choose between three routes, taking in stunning coastal views and country roads, with a timed hill climb to challenge the most experienced cyclists.

“We’d like to thank Fred. Olson Renewables for continuing to sponsor us this year. This means 100 per cent of the sign-up fee and any sponsorship raised will go towards providing vital welfare support to veterans, servicemen and women and their families across Scotland.”

The Sportive is an “open road” cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed in order to minimise disruption to the public. Riders can have a free place if they are supporting a cyclist with a disability.

Cyclists can register at Prestonpans Community Centre on Saturday 24^th September between 2pm and 6pm, or on Sunday 25^th from 6:30am to 8:30am.

For more information, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive