Soldiers served up tea and toast on the streets of Inverness yesterday to celebrate the work of a charity in Scotland.
Poppyscotland launched their pop-up field kitchen on Strothers Lane to mark two years of the charity’s welfare centre in the Highland capital.
Soldiers from the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland served the snacks to supporters and beneficiaries of the charity.
The tea and toast derives from the military tradition of having a cup of tea and a slice of toast at break times and even when in the field as proving a comforting reminder of home.
Attending the event was veteran Gordon Gourdie, 44, from Nairn, who served in the Royal Scots but struggled with mental health problems as a result of the events he witnessed during the first Gulf War.
He was forced to take time off work but ran into financial difficulty with rent and council tax arrears.
He sought support from Poppyscotland who helped secure a war disablement pension and developed a financial plan for him.
Mr Gourdie said that he now runs a cycling club in his spare time.
He added: “I owe Poppyscotland my life. The team did the best they could for me and if I had not gone to see them I would not be here now. Poppyscotland helped me get my life back on track and, through cycling, I am doing what I can to give something back.”
Poppyscotland opened its branch in Strothers Lane in the city centre in June 2013 and has gone on to support more than 1,000 former soldiers with issues around benefits, debt, health, social isolation and more.
Poppyscotland’s welfare services manager for the north of Scotland Nina Semple said: “Today’s event is an opportunity for Poppyscotland to celebrate and thank beneficiaries, supporters and partners. Over the past two years we have worked hard to establish the centre in the community and we have been warmly welcomed by local organisations and individuals.
“We decided to host a Tea & Toast to mark the occasion because we wanted to highlight Poppyscotland’s new fundraising event. It’s a very simple way for groups, friends and families to get together and support the charity over the summer.
“Also, if it wasn’t for the generosity of the public, we wouldn’t be able to deliver our services, so it is an entirely fitting way to mark the centre’s second birthday.”