Charity and business club together for veterans

TWO serving soldiers were today set to attend Hearts' Scottish Premier League match against Rangers following an invitation by business leaders.

The Federation of Small Businesses is sponsoring the match ball at this weekend's SPL fixtures. It has asked Poppyscotland to invite servicemen and women to each game as its guests.

Lance Corporal Thompson and Sergeant Skinner from Edinburgh-based 1Scots were invited to attend the Tynecastle game.

Drummond Black, vice chairman of the FSB East of Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be working with Poppyscotland to honour a few of the servicemen and women who are laying their lives on the line in some of the world's most dangerous places. It's only a small token of our gratitude, but it helps us highlight the massive debt we owe them and also the need to support armed services personnel when they return to civilian life."

A spokesman for Hearts said: "Hearts have long supported our armed forces and veterans.

"We are therefore delighted to be hosting the FSB and Poppyscotland representatives at this match."