Record response to poppy appeal

Poppyscotland raises money to help war veterans and their families

The 2008 Scottish Poppy Appeal has broken all records by exceeding its "ambitious" £2m target.

Poppyscotland said £2,041,202 was raised which will go to help veterans and their families in Scotland.

The charity said it had increased its target from £1.75m, due to the numbers of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan needing specialist help.

Announcing the results in Edinburgh, chief executive Jim Panton said he was overwhelmed by the public response.

Brigadier Andrew Mackay, who was commander of 52 Brigade in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from October 2007 to May 2008, said: "It is clear that recent conflicts will lead to more veterans returning to civilian life in Scotland and it is heartening to see that the Scottish public wishes to support them by giving so generously to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

"Without their donations, this excellent charity and the organisations that it supports would not be able to fund their extremely important work assisting Scotland's veterans and their families."

Mr Panton said many veterans suffered psychological, physical and financial problems as they re-adjusted to civilian life.

"This amazing result sends a clear message to veterans and their families that the people in Scotland are behind them and want to ensure that they get the help they deserve," he said.

"We are especially proud of this achievement in a year that was set to be very challenging due to the economic climate.

"I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made the 2008 Scottish Poppy Appeal such a huge success."

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