Toony supports Poppy Appeal

Rugby ace Gregor Townsend lends his support to good cause

Former rugby international and current head coach of the Scottish national team Gregor Townsend visited an Edinburgh factory to see the work that goes into producing remembrance poppies.

Townsend visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory to take part in the Poppyscotland National Uplift – an event that marks the 4,500,000 poppies beginning their journey to every corner of the country.

The factory – which was set up by Lady Haig, wife of Field Marshall Earl Haig, in 1926 employs a team of more than 40 veterans with a range of disabilities.

Mr Townsend said: “It is humbling to know that each and every poppy has been hand-produced by a disabled veteran.

“The veterans who work in the factory have gone the extra mile for us and I would encourage everyone to challenge themselves and go the extra mile in support of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Gordon Mitch, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “The national uplift is a major milestone for us.

“It marks the culmination of a year of hard work by our veterans and means our biggest fundraiser is just around the corner.”

“Every extra penny generated for the Scottish Poppy Appeal will make a massive difference to someone in the armed forces community who is in need of our help.”

Galashiels-born Townsend became Scotland head coach earlier this year having previously been assistant coach between 2009 and 2012 and winning 82 caps as a player.

He was awarded an MBE in 1999 for services to rugby.

Former Scotland rugby player and current Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend.