The Rt Rev Alan McDonald, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has congratulated ex-Service charity Poppyscotland and the Royal Caledonian Schools Trust (the Caley) on their recently-announced decision to work together on educational grants for the children of Scottish veterans.

The Moderator, who is an Honorary Vice President of the Caley, said: "During the last year I have met lots of children and young people and recognise that some of them need additional financial help if they are to achieve their full educational potential.

"The decision by Poppyscotland to work with the Caley is good news and I think it is great when two long-established Service charities can provide such a good example of working together."

Poppyscotland provides direct financial assistance to ex‑Service men, women and their dependants in need living in Scotland. In the last year alone, it spent £502,783 on helping 1,024 individuals.

Its Head of Charitable Services, Gary Gray, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this project. One of Poppyscotland's key functions is to provide direct financial assistance to veterans and their dependants living in Scotland. This is an excellent way of taking this forward."

The Caley, meanwhile, is a charity which supports the sons and daughters of Scots who were serving or who had previously served in the armed forces, as well as the children of poor Scots in London.

Caley Chief Executive, John Horsfield, said: "This is really exciting! The input from Poppyscotland means we can help a lot more young Scots. We can consider applications on behalf of the children of Scottish veterans. Our grants range from assistance with school clothing and equipment to help with living expenses for students in further and higher education."