Walk, run or cycle at home of the Black Watch

STRAP on your running shoes or dig out the bike. Highlanders are wanted to run, walk or cycle to raise cash for disadvantaged and vulnerable military heroes.

Fort George near Inverness is hosting the 2012 Highland Poppy Run from 2pm on August 19, and entries are now open for anyone who wants to take part in 5k or 10k distances by foot or on two wheels.

More than £20,000 has been raised for vulnerable and disadvantaged veterans across Scotland since the inaugural event in 2008, and entry this year is £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Each distance in the event begins and ends at the Ardersier barracks, and serving members of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3SCOTS) will be on hand to set up the event, alongside Ramsay McGhee, who heads up the support group running the day on behalf of charity Poppyscotland.

Lance-Corporals Graham Calderwood, Alistair Brown and Scott Hart launched the event this week with Captain Alex Rose.

Captain Rose said: “It is very important veterans and their families from all three services are supported. That’s why we give charities such as Poppyscotland as much support as we can. ”

Lance-Corporal Calderwood said: “The appeal and the fun run do a lot for families as well as vulnerable veterans. The money raised goes towards important causes.”

Lance-Corporal Brown said: “I know how important it is for this charity to be supported. The first time that hit home for me was when a charity helped Sam Morgan, who came off tour duty in 2009. He had his leg amputated after it was damaged in an explosion in Afghanistan, and charities supported him when he could have struggled.”

Volunteer area organiser for Poppyscotland Ramsay McGhee said: “Our aim is to raise as much money as we possibly can on the day. Anyone can turn up, there is no minimum amount they have to raise. I am keen to see families and workmates take part together. I have done the run two or three times, and it’s a lovely run around Fort George.”

Roslyn Scoular, Poppyscotland community fundraiser west, said: “This year, the organisation has been taken on by a new support group led by Ramsay, and they are doing a fantastic job.”

Those wishing to take part can enter on the day or contact Roslyn on 0141 427 8490 or r.scoular@poppyscotland.org.uk