Scotland rugby head coach Gregor Townsend launches poppy appeal

Scotland rugby head coach Gregor Townsend is kicking off this year's Scottish Poppy appeal by asking people to show they care.

He's been getting a tour of Lady Haig's Poppy Factory at the PoppyScotland site in Edinburgh.

The former Scotland player said it is a "real privilege" to be involved in the campaign which raises funds to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

The former Gala RFC player said: "It's a real privilege to be here. Seeing veterans working, contributing like they did before.

"They enjoy what they do, knowing it is for a greater cause.

"On behalf of Scottish Rugby, we have a strong link with Poppyscotland and Remembrance. We wear poppies on our jerseys and the players really appreciate that link with history, especially playing our games throughout the month of November.

"Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.

"Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community."

The Scottish Poppy Appeal describes itself as Scotland's biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.

Poppyscotland said the money raised from the appeal has enabled it to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, said: "Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans, and their families that their service and sacrifice means something to you, that it is appreciated and recognised. Importantly, it also shows that such service 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."

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