Inverness veterans are putting their best foot forward to complete a sponsored walk for Poppyscotland dressed in full military personal protective equipment.
Gordon MacMillan from Inverness will walk from Cameron Barracks to the city’s war memorial at Cavell Gardens whilst dressed in a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare suit complete with gas mask.
The concept for a sponsored walk was born due to the restrictions imposed the coronavirus pandemic on fundraising for the armed forces charity.
“It will be a challenge for me,” Mr MacMillan said.
“The last time I wore one I must have been about 20, when I was in the service.
“The biggest challenge will be my breathing. I have a pulmonary oedema and I’ve also been diagnosed with a heart problem as well.
“There is nothing else we can do this year so we thought we better do something.
“Everyone is going on about Covid and keeping covered up so I thought you can’t be anymore covered up than NBC suit, can you?”
The 66-year-old ex-Gordon Highlander will undertake the feat from 10am next Friday alongside a group of fellow veterans including his ‘sidekick’ Chad Fraser-Hall, formerly of the Royal Greenjackets.
Mr MacMillan joined the Gordon Highlanders aged just 15-year-old and after eight and a half years’ service, he left the force aged 24.
The veteran has now dedicated his life to raising money for Poppyscotland who he says helped to ultimately change his life.
He added: “Poppyscotland helps the veterans that have come out and maybe have mental health of physical problems. They helped me so I’m helping them.
“If I hadn’t have got in touch with Poppyscotland, my wife would probably be a widow.
“All the boys we have lost through suicide; if personnel do need help Poppyscotland is there. They just need to get in touch.
“They have all the facilities to help everyone, from housing to mental health.”