Scots war heroes have criticised Poppyscotland for axing their top fundraiser in a move that has triggered fears of creeping centralisation from London.

The removal of the charity's head of fundraising would "destroy" public confidence in the charity's commitment to Scottish veterans, according to ex-forces personnel and a senior politician, negatively impacting on the historic Poppyscotland brand.

The brand, which is part of the wider Royal British Legion organisation, runs the Poppy Scotland appeal which sells red poppy pins in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday every November. It also fundraises all year across Scotland to support veterans.

The decision comes after armed forces veterans and their families said they felt betrayed by the axing of a lifeline RBL scheme - the Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) which supported veterans to access more than £20m in benefits and was funded by Poppyscotland - last year.

This latest move has reignited fears that that less money be raised by the organisation dedicated to Scottish veterans, serving personnel and their families, with some now funnelled down south into wider Royal British Legion (RBL) coffers.

Poppyscotland confirmed that one senior role was made redundant as part of a streamlining process but reaffirmed its commitment to helping Scottish veterans and insisted "every penny raised in Scotland" would stay there.

Veterans have sacrificed much to serve our country and keep our citizens safe. They deserve our full support in turn.

Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth

Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, who raised concerns about the withdrawal of the ASAP scheme at Westminster, told The Ferret:

"Poppyscotland is a proud, trusted and respected brand north of the border. Eroding its ability to raise valuable financial support and taking fundraising in-house is a mistake.

"Centralising fundraising will reduce public confidence in where the Scottish pound might be going."

He stressed that fundraising was a "year round activity", adding: "The axing of ASAP has been bad enough. Cutting the fundraising team in Scotland to make further savings is just not acceptable and will likely be counterproductive in the long term.

"Veterans have sacrificed much to serve our country and keep our citizens safe. They deserve our full support in turn."

Poppyscotland offers crucial support to veterans and their families in Scotland from financial aid and employment help to mental health and housing support.

But without continued steady funding, some fear essential services may be at risk, potentially leaving many without the help they need.

Cammy MacLeod, who founded charity Who Dares Cares which supports armed forces and emergency services personnel, and their families, living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claimed the move marked a "potentially profound change in how we honour and support Scotland's veterans".

If people feel their donations are not helping people in Scotland, they will stop donating to the cause.

John Kilpatrick, former RAF corporal

The former soldier, who served in Northern Ireland and Iraq, added: "The Royal British Legion has a proud history, but so does Poppyscotland, which has for decades provided a uniquely Scottish voice in remembrance and welfare. To see that identity potentially diluted in the name of centralisation is deeply concerning.

"Veterans in Scotland deserve support that understands their communities, their culture, and their needs. This isn't about resisting change - it's about preserving the integrity of a legacy that has served our people with compassion and distinction."

Concerns were also raised by former RAF corporal John Kilpatrick, who said he agreed changes at Poppyscotland could undermine Scottish-focused support, and potentially discourage local donations.

He said: "This is a disgrace but it is part of an ongoing process of wiping out Poppyscotland. You can see where this is going - the expansion of the London apparatus ...