Poppyscotland host event to mark the beginning of the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2021

The reception was held at Inverness Town House, with speeches from both Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael and Sir Alistair Irwin, president of Poppyscotland.

Sir Alistair thanked volunteers for their support and the public for their generous donations despite the pandemic.

Provost Carmichael presented Sir Alistair with a bottle of Inverness Whisky as a retirement present - he will step down from his position for Poppyscotland at the end of the year.

A short video was played for guests, with interviews from veterans explaining the help that Poppyscotland have provided over the years.

This years appeal marks 100 years of the poppy as the symbol of remembrance. There are currently 3 million poppies being distributed all over Scotland ahead of remembrance day on November 11.

Due to covid, fundraising efforts were depleted in 2020, bringing the traditional cash donations down by 28 per cent.

The charity managed to keep all of their services running however, by moving most of them to online meetings and phone calls. They will continue to use a hybrid service in the future to provide support.

The event comes a day after Poppyscotland released their Poppy Portraits - a series of pictures of veterans who have been supported by the charity and each have a unique story to tell.

Guests were served a buffet for lunch.

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