Each year Poppyscotland President Sir Alistair Irwin recognises the contribution of Poppyscotland’s most dedicated volunteers through the President's Awards.

 

Susan Little has been a highly successful volunteer and a prominent figure in the Broughty Ferry Poppy Appeal for an amazing 46 years; for the last 20 years she has also been the local Poppy Appeal organiser.

 

Susan plays a leading part in organising regular soup lunches at her local church, with profits all going to Poppyscotland.

 

The Flying Fifers also received the Poppyscotland President’s Award. The Flying Fifers, several of whom are veterans, have raised a huge amount of money for Poppyscotland over the years by taking part in numerous cycling challenges: the Cycle of Remembrance events to the Somme Battlefield in 2016; the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Poppy Pledges; a 700-mile cycle ride from Leven to Compiègne in France; and a 1,000 mile ride between Land’s End and John o’Groats.

 

They have also bungee-jumped, run marathons and taken part in the Tough Mudder, all to raise vital funds for the Armed Forces community.

 

Another winner is Donna Armstrong, the very successful Poppy Coordinator for Lochwinnoch, Morrison's Johnstone store and St Enoch since 2010. Her efforts can be judged by the great success of the 2020 Poppy Appeal in which in her area showed an increase of 57% over the previous year, despite COVID restrictions!

 

Donna doesn’t just coordinate the Poppy Appeal in her area. She has also: marched the Kiltwalk dressed as a giant poppy; organised race nights; manned gala day stalls and run an indoor picnic based on the Last Night of the Proms; held coffee mornings and raffles and baked hundreds of shortbread poppies; and last month she even wing-walked as part of her #1921PoppyPledge to raise £1,921 in celebration of 100 years of the Poppy.

 

Albert Duffus, who also receives the Poppyscotland President’s Award, organises and hosts the annual Mark Duffus Memorial Golf Tournament, held at Forres Golf Club, in loving memory of his son. As well as golf, the occasion includes a raffle and auction. Over the last eight years this amazing event has raised over £15,000 for Poppyscotland.

 

Albert and his son Mark both served in the Queen’s Own Highlanders. Mark was killed at Northgate Camp, Kabul, by suicide bombers while he was working for a security firm. Albert is a true inspiration to all in his community and the money he raises each year makes a vital difference to members of the Armed Forces community in need.