A group of big-hearted bikers will lay wreaths at 31 monuments across Scotland as part of a huge fundraising effort to raise £60,000 for Poppyscotland, whilst also commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War.
The famous Widows Sons Scotland motorcycle association will commence their tour of the country at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Saturday and will visit cenotaphs and other memorials over the following eight weekends, before finishing in Dumbarton on September 29.
A stop in Fife has also been pencilled in, with the hardy bike enthusiasts – who are all Freemasons – expected to spend some time in Rosyth on Saturday August 11 from 11am onwards before they travel on to Dundee’s Black Watch memorial, arriving at 1pm and departing at 2pm.
Each stop will include a family fun event in which members of the various local communities are encouraged to participate.
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “This is a terrific gesture from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and their motorcycle association Widows Sons Scotland, and one that is very much appreciated.
“This sum of money could help 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.
“These services will make a real difference to the lives of the Armed Forces community.”
Other planned pit stops include Dryburgh Abbey, the final resting place of Earl Haig, Stirling Castle, The Queen Victoria School in Dunblane and the war memorial in Kirkwall, Orkney, with the bikers aiming to raise £60,000 for Poppyscotland on their travels.
The money raised has the potential to provide tailored support and funding to hundreds of veterans in need.
Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon, Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, said: “We are tremendously proud to be raising money for Poppyscotland by the Widows Sons Scotland touring the country.
“It is an opportunity to honour both the invaluable contribution of our Armed Forces and the bravery of our veterans and serving men and women.
“We are delighted to contribute to an excellent charity to facilitate its much-needed work.
“It’s also a fun day out for local communities to get involved in, while contributing to a worthy cause.”
