Veterans' biker gang brings Legion roaring back to life

But that's exactly what the organisation's latest and fastest growing branch is doing to break away from the stereotype of ex-soldiers whittling away afternoons over a game of dominoes.

Now boasting 330 members, The Riders - a motley crew made up of veterans, actively serving soldiers and civilians - raises funds for charities, supports ceremonies such as wreath-laying and attends funerals of fallen servicemen at the invitation of their families.

Vice-chair of the Riders Group East, Karen Holmes, 43, from Granton, said: "We are trying to move the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) into a modern age and make it more popular.

"We are the lifeblood of the legion, we're modernising it and bringing a more diverse age group to it."

The group is recognisable by its RBLS insignia and, despite the prevalence of Harley Davidsons, there are no Hell's Angels in the gang.

"It doesn't matter if you've got a motorbike, trike or a quad, as long as you're interested in supporting soldiers," said Ms Holmes.

The branch was set up after a motorbike group established by the Royal British Legion - a separate organisation from the RBLS - began recruiting members north of the Border.

Founder of The Riders, Captain Colin Macnab, formed a Scottish equivalent on St Andrew's Day to support the RBLS and ensure money raised goes towards the country's veteran community.

Still less than a year old, members have already taken to the road with a parade down the Royal Mile to mark Armed Forces Day and 90 motor-cyclists will appear at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 12, in recognition of the RBLS's 90th anniversary.

Last week, 19 members paid tribute to fallen Sighthill soldier Private Scott McLaren, forming a poignant guard of honour with their bikes outside his funeral at Mortonhall.

Retired criminal justice worker and grandmother-of-four Heather Kerr, 47, from Haymarket, decided to give the group a go.

She said: "I feel very proud to be part of it. I'm serving a very worthwhile cause.

"The public are fantastic. There's clapping, whooping and cheering when you do the charity ride-outs."

Jim Thomson, 34, assistant unit welfare officer with The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Glencorse Barracks, said: "Ten to 15 per cent of serving soldiers have a motorbike, so it gives them the drive to put something back.

"You don't have to be serving soldiers or even ex-serving soldiers to be a member."We are all enthusiasts who want to support the different charities."

Still actively recruiting, The Riders has already raised 5000 for its charity, Voices for Veterans, which will be donated to a chosen cause at the end of the year. To find out more, visit www.rblsr.org.