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Tribute paid to ex-service veterans
18/04/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond today paid tribute to Scotland's ex-service veterans on a visit Ayr Racecourse for The Coral Scottish Grand National Festival.
The festival is veterans' charity Poppyscotland's first major fundraising event of its kind, outwith the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal.
As part of his visit the First Minister watched the running of the Tam O'Shanter Poppyscotland Novices Handicap, before making a presentation to the winning jockey.
On the work of Poppyscotland the First Minister said:
"Poppyscotland is one of Scotland's most iconic and important charities. The poppy is a poignant and vivid reminder of those who fall in battle, on whichever side of the divide, but also a symbol of our recognition and gratitude to the many thousands of ex-service veterans who contribute so much on a daily basis to Scottish society. What's more, we must not forget those Scots currently serving in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
"The Scottish Government recognises its responsibility to those who serve in the armed forces. That is why, in November, we extended NHS priority treatment to include those who have served in the Armed Forces. And that is why I am delighted to be here today to help raise money for Scotland's veterans community.
"The role of veterans' charities can not be over-estimated, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken by the staff and volunteers of Poppyscotland. The Scottish Government is committed to working with them, together with the Ministry of Defence, to deliver for Scotland's veterans."
Poppyscotland is the trading name of the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, established in 1921 by Field Marshall Earl Haig to provide assistance to veterans and their families in times of need. The charity is perhaps best known for its annual Scottish Poppy Appeal which distributes around fourlion poppies each year and in 2006 raised £1.5 million for Scottish veterans.
Money raised by Poppyscotland is spent in the following ways:
- Providing direct financial assistance to individuals
- Funding a pensions advice service for veterans
- Providing grants and research to organisations that deliver specialist support to veterans in Scotland
- Supporting the employment of veterans with disabilities in the Edinburgh-based Lady Haig's Poppy Factory
It was announced that NHS priority treatment would be extended to all armed service personnel who have developed health problems as a result of service to their country in November.