Leading Poppyscotland role for Markinch man

Gordon Michie, who began his working life in the RAF, serving from 1988 to 1995 with postings in England, Germany and closer to home at RAF Leuchars in Fife, will lead an army of volunteers as part of nationwide fund raising strategy.

His appointment provides a huge boost to the area which has seen the number of poppy sellers and tin collections plummet in recent times.

Only last year veterans put out a last minute appeal for helpers after fears that there would be no one to conduct the annual charity collection in the town.

Having spent the last 16 years working for UK and overseas charity organisations, Gordon told the Gazette he believes his appointment has now brought him full circle to where his career started.

“I am looking forward to be being able to serve again, by supporting the armed forces community and ensuring that through the poppy we always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

While the Scottish Poppy Appeal is the Poppyscotland’s largest fund raising event, bringing in two-thirds of the charity’s annual income, one of Gordon’s aims is to raise more money throughout the year.

“My goal is to ensure that the wider public understand that we need to be here to support the armed forces all year round and in order to do that we need their support all year round. “

And Gordon has already led by example by doing the charity’s 22 Push Up Challenge.

Gordon’s appointment means he will bring the full weight of 16 years of experience in the charity sector.

Gordon spent 16 years working in fundraising agencies and was involved in the development of UK and overseas charities’ individual giving programmes in senior director roles.

Scottish Poppy Appeal, Scotland’s biggest street collection takes place every November and the 2015 Appeal is forecast to raise £2.9million when final calculations are finalised.