The theme of this year’s Poppy Appeal is #ExtraMile – with the charity looking to expand on its traditional fundraising activities

A veteran was joined by primary school pupils at the old Forth crossing to launch the 2017 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Corporal Andrew McIntosh - who served for 14 years with the 22nd Cheshire Regiment and saw service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Gulf - is no stranger to doing his bit for the armed forces charity after he travelled from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his mobility scooter to raise £3,000.

The theme of this year’s Poppy Appeal is #ExtraMile – with the charity encouraging supporters to take part in fundraising challenges to help boost its coffers.

McIntosh, from Strathaven, was confined to a mobility scooter after being diagnosed with a very rare and serious vascular condition in 2009. Poppyscotland provided him with an electric-powered vehicle to give him more independence – and he was only too keen to show his gratitude.

The 44-year-old said: “After their help, I wanted to go the extra mile for Poppyscotland and that’s why I took on the challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

“I did it in 16 days and nine hours – breaking the record by eight days – and, after doing that, I’m sure people won’t mind me asking them to go the extra mile for Poppyscotland this year.”

McIntosh was joined by the Uphall Primary School choir who ventured across the Forth Road Bridge to raise funds for the 2017 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Headteacher Carol Fawkes said: “The pupils of Uphall Primary School felt privileged and honoured to be invited to take part in the event today. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity of being part of such an important event, which remembers and supports the armed forces community living in Scotland.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising, said: “Both Andy and the pupils of Uphall Primary School are no strangers at going the #ExtraMile for Poppyscotland. We know at the heart of the Poppy Appeal are our local communities, and the work this primary school has undertaken recently in respect of Remembrance epitomises what the appeal is all about.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the country’s largest annual street collection. More than five million poppies and 60,000 collecting tins have been distributed around Scotland. Poppyscotland relies on a network of 450 volunteer area organisers and around 10,000 volunteer collectors who ensure that every corner of the country has their poppies in time for the appeal.