Town’s fundraising efforts for armed forces were ‘remarkable’

Dunfermline has been praised for its “breathtaking” efforts in aid of the Scottish poppy appeal.

It comes after Christine Evans, the Poppyscotland area organiser for the town, revealed local volunteers had collected a bumper sum this year – despite the theft of two collecting tins from Dunfermline Abbey.

The sum of £50,680.14 was raised through donations and fundraising, on top of £46,733 worth of Poppyscotland merchandise sold in the area.

Following the abbey raid, the minister set up a Go Fund Me page which contributed £470 to the total.

Christine said: “This year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal was even busier than usual and there was added interest given that 2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“As ever, the public were incredibly supportive and dug deep for Poppyscotland, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generosity.

“None of this would have been possible without my fabulous army of volunteers and the support of the business community.”

More than £2,000 was raised from sponsoring poppy trees and poppy windows while Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust also contributed.

Poppyscotland head of fundraising Gordon Michie said: “We are blessed to have so many special volunteers across the country, epitomised by the likes of Christine Evans and her wonderful team.

“The fundraising efforts in Dunfermline were nothing short of remarkable, which is evident by the breathtaking total raised.

“This money will allow Poppyscotland to continue to provide its life-changing work.”