LEGION President Alastair Kennedy has announced that this year’s poppy appeal will be his last as Convener.

Alastair, 75, has been Poppy Convener since 1998 co-ordinating the local Royal British Legion Scotland branch’s Poppy Scotland appeal – overseeing the collection of £180,000 with the assistance of his volunteers.

Alastair will continue as President of the branch and Area Vice Chairman and carry on his popular visits to local schools with his team.

Alastair said: “I have been proud to be part of the Poppy Appeal, but at 75 I feel it is now time to step down.

“I would like to thank all of the people of Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston and West Kilbride for all their support over the years.” Alastair will be thanking his local team on a personal basis at a later date and meeting the local clergy to discuss arrangements for this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade in the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1.