TV star Lorraine Kelly was in Dundee this week to help the city’s poppy appeal organiser mark his retirement after 20 years in the role.
Major Frank Smith has been running the City of Dundee Poppy Appeal since 1989 and was awarded the President’s Award in 2005 by Poppyscotland in recognition of his service.
He was praised by Lorraine and Poppyscotland chief executive Ian McGregor as volunteers gathered at City Square to reveal Scotland’s 2009 appeal had broken all records to raise £2.2 million.
Mr Smith, from Newport, told The Courier he is now looking forward to a rest and will hand over the reins to new area organiser Allan Donnelly.
“This has been an immensely rewarding role and I am grateful to my team for their hard work and support over the years, ” said Mr Smith, who has also been active in the British Legion for many years.
“I felt it was the right time to retire and I am sure that Allan and the team will ensure that the Scottish Poppy Appeal continues to enjoy success in the future.”
Mr McGregor said, “We are very grateful to Frank for his role in organising the appeal in Dundee for over 20 years.
“Like Frank, many of our volunteers have dedicated 10, 20 or even 50 years to our cause but, understandably, and deservedly, some are coming to a time when they think of retirement.
“All of our volunteers — Royal British Legion Scotland members prominent among them — work tirelessly during the year and the total we are celebrating today would not have been made possible without their hard work and commitment.”
Lorraine, an ambassador for Poppyscotland, said the organisation could not have raised such a total if not for their army of volunteers like Mr Smith.
“The work of Poppyscotland is even more relevant now than it’s ever been, ” she said.
“Our servicemen and women are putting their lives on the line every day. Some are returning home with devastating injuries and memories of the horrific traumas they have experienced.”