FUNDRAISING for Poppyscotland will look a little different this year in Dunfermline as coronavirus restrictions hit the way donations are given.

More than £42,000 was raised in the town last year with the cash going to help veterans and their families in the local area and across the country.

Poppyscotland volunteer area organiser for Dunfermline, Christine Evans, told the Press this week that efforts were being stepped up to add to last year's figure while also observing social-distancing guidelines.

She called for any local businesses eager to sponsor a Poppy Tree to get in touch with her.

She stated: "From a personal level, this is going to be a much-changed appeal from normal but we hope to still have a presence in the town and continue to support the armed services community.

"Dunfermline has a proud history of raising substantial amounts each year but this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will be very difficult.

"If any local businesses would be interested in supporting our local appeal by sponsoring a tree or decorating their shop window, please feel free to contact me."

Four million poppies were loaded onto trucks last week ahead of this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal which will see technology come to the fore.

QR codes and microchips, which are automatically recognised by smart phones, have been placed on poppy boxes so that members of the public will still be able to give in a socially-distant, contactless and secure way.

In an added measure of safety, Poppyscotland will distribute poppies and tins to every school in Scotland this year, rather than having volunteers deliver these as would normally happen.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “We know that the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal will be like no other, and we need the public to support this year’s appeal like never before.

"The introduction of mobile giving is a huge step forward for us and, together with the continued support of our amazing volunteers and the increased activity within schools, we will ensure that poppies are still widely available, that any risk to public health is minimised and, most importantly, the vital funds that are needed to support the Armed Forces community in the year ahead are raised."