Latest news with #Poppyscotland
Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Charity cycle for PoppyScotland
A group of six military rehab specialists will embark on an epic 530-mile charity cycle in aid of veterans' charity Poppyscotland next week. Known as the Rehab Rollers, they aim to complete their challenge in just six days, leaving from Redford Barracks in Edinburgh on Saturday, 31 May, stopping at nine rehabilitation centres located across the country. These include Faslane, Kinlochleven, Fort George, Lossiemouth, Arbroath and returning to Edinburgh on 5 June. The keen cyclists, who help to rehabilitate injured tri-service personnel, will also place commemorative poppy wreaths at every location they visit to mark 80 years since VE Day and the approaching 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Gordon McKay, is Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Redford Barracks, and he is taking part in the challenge. He said: 'We have chosen to do this in aid of Poppyscotland because a lot of the people who come through us we aim to get back into full deployable service, but there are some unfortunate souls who don't make it back and when they leave the service they may well find themselves relying on some of the veterans' charities located in Scotland. So, we thought we would raise some money to help those charities whilst also challenging ourselves and cycling is something we all really enjoy, so it seemed the perfect thing for us to do. 'We have prepared with lots of cycling as a team and solo rides at the weekend and generally trying to get as much time on the saddle as possible. I'm sure there will be blood, sweat and tears but we massively appreciate any donation you can give. 'We're proud to support Poppyscotland and help our veterans. Together, we can make a difference.' All funds raised by Poppyscotland are used helping men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life. To donate to the Rehab Rollers visit their JustGiving page at Or to find out more about the charity, please visit Like this: Like Related
STV News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Veterans and families to attend VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish veterans to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. Cath Drummond (Image: Poppyscotland/PA Wire) As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. READ MORE: Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
The Independent
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Veterans and families to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
Powys County Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Veterans and families to attend VEDay 80th anniversary commemorations
Second World War veterans will be among those attending a special concert for Scotland's national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Scotland's Salute: VE80 concert takes place on Tuesday evening at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, two days ahead of the anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marked the end of the the war in Europe. Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will host an evening of music from a number of performers, which will be enjoyed by former members of the forces and their families. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney will also be among those at the event which will feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans on the big screen. Music will include performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who will join the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and from singer Amy Hawthorn, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald, and Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph. Among those in the audience will be Cath Drummond, who was told her husband of 10 months was missing and presumed dead on August 25 1944, following a plane crash. As well as losing the man she loved, she was eight months pregnant and faced a life as a single mother. She said: 'I remember that telegram arriving like it was yesterday. I screamed the place down. 'I was absolutely heartbroken and didn't see how I would get through it. It was a real sense of fear raising a child alone, with no money or help.' In 1944, aged 18, George MacLeod was called up to the King's Own Scottish Borderers 52nd Division, 4th Battalion. He spent the majority of his service in Germany as a driver but recalls a harrowing experience in Ireland. Mr MacLeod, of Edinburgh, said: 'I remember at one point being in Ireland and we had to put on a white uniform and go and lie in the snow, but they forgot about us and we nearly froze to death. I had to go to hospital as I had frostbite.' Margaret Landels signed up to the Royal Navy at 18 years old after walking along George Street in Edinburgh, where she saw a We Need You recruitment poster. She was later posted to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where she was a leading Wren within the Post Office for two years. On VE Day, 1945, She remembered hearing that the war had ended on VE Day 1945, celebrating with her peers upon hearing the news. She said: 'Some people had a band, and we had a dance along South Queensferry.' Speaking in the days before the concert Mr Swinney paid tribute to previous generations for their sacrifices. He previously said: 'We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who served our country throughout the Second World War, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Were it not for the actions of the brave men and women who helped to liberate Europe 80 years ago, we might not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted today. 'This week and always, we remember them with pride and offer our heartfelt thanks.'
