£60k fund drive revs up in Ross
AN iconic Ross-shire landmark provided the backdrop for a gathering of bikers targeting a £60,000 boost for veterans.
Members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and their motorcycle riders association, The Widows Sons Scotland, are touring 31 cenotaphs and memorials over eight weekends as the 100-year anniversary of the end of the Great War approaches.
In Ross-shire, they headed for Dingwall for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sir Hector Macdonald Monument on.
Supporting the latest leg of the nationwide tour were the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ross and Cromarty and the local lodges who have so far combined to raise more than £200 for Poppyscotland, with Freemasons from the Lodge Fingal No. 318 providing hospitality.
In the race around Scotland, other notable pitstops include Dryburgh Abbey – the final resting place of commander Earl Haig, Kilwinning – The Queen Victoria School in Dunblane and the war memorial in Kirkwall before finishing up in Dumbarton on September 29.
The money raised by the bikers will be used to provide tailored support and funding to hundreds of veterans in need.
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: "The money raised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland and their motorcycle association Widows Sons Scotland will improve lives in the Armed Forces community. I’d like to thank them for their wonderful work, it is greatly appreciated.
"It will fund a specialised employment service so that disabled veterans can get support to find suitable, sustainable employment, or allow us to undertake major home adaptations, enabling a seriously disabled veteran to remain in the comfort and safety of their own home."
Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon, Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, said: "We are delighted the tour of the country is raising vital money for Poppyscotland and will help facilitate its much-needed work. The bravery of our Armed Forces, both serving men and women as well as veterans, is something to be very proud of and we’re honoured to support an excellent charity that recognizes their invaluable contribution."
