Mark Bibbey is chief executive of Poppyscotland and believes public support for the Poppy Appeal is as important today as ever

What makes a good day at work?
One in which most of the people you deal with are smiling.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened this month?
My mother in law was unable to come and stay.

What are you most proud of at Poppyscotland?
The quality of the people.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Cars and motorcycles are not an investment.

Who is your hero?
There are so many admirable people. If I had to choose one, it would be Sir George McCrae; a man of humble origins who rose to be a principled and charismatic politician. In 1915, he raised and commanded a battalion (16 Royal Scots) which became known as McCrae’s Battalion. No visit to the Somme is complete without visiting the memorial cairn at Contalmaison.

What’s your favourite animal?
This has to be the family dog – a beagle called Lucy.

Why is the poppy still important?
For two reasons: firstly because it is important that we recognise the debt we owe to those who have suffered in the defence of our values and freedoms and secondly because the donations collected during the poppy appeal directly fund life changing support for those in our armed forces community who are struggling as a result of their service.

What’s the best song ever written?
Jerusalem – originally written as a poem by William Blake in 1804, lyrics by Hubert Parry in 1916 during the gloom of WWI.

What’s your greatest achievement?
I think it’s yet to come!

What one thing could most improve the lives of Scottish veterans?
Employers understanding the potential value to their business of the skills, experiences and character inherent in those who have served.

Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
I have never really thought about my final destination. The last time I moved house was my 39th change of permanent address – I doubt it’ll be my last!

What’s your favourite cause apart from your own?
Anything which helps people, especially young people who have had difficult life experiences, achieve their full potential.

What is the most important thing a military career can teach?
It has the potential to help you to truly know yourself, your strengths and to have the moral courage to do the right thing.

Which Brian Cox?
I generally favour reality over fiction – so Brian Cox the scientist.