3 Rifles signal platoon check in from their base in Afghanistan for this week’s Poppyscotland Podcast. We hear from Sgt Adam Gillard and L.Cpl Neil Worgan about how their are settling into their new surrounds and what their work involves.

In this weeks podcast we hear from the mother of 14 year old Ciara McGearey, who will be walking a mile in honour of her soldier dad and to raise funds for Poppyscotland.  Ciara is blind and severely disabled and two years ago Poppyscotland helped Ciara's dad Mac, who is in the Army, with his 500-mile fundraising walk to secure a place for Ciara in the Royal Blind School. Rosie McGearey, Ciara's mum, tells us more about her amazing story and looks ahead to this weekend's remarkable challenge.

3 Rifles have just arrived in Afghanistan and this week’s Poppyscotland Podcast hears how they are settling in, and how things have changed there since their last deployment. We’re also joined by Cpt. Robert Stoddard ahead of the Army’s historic shinty-hurling match against the Irish Defence Force in Inverness tomorrow. 

After six long months on Operation Herrick 15, the men and women of 3SCOTS, The Black Watch, returned to Scotland this week to a heroes welcome.  Parades in Inverness, Forfar, Kirkcaldy, Dundee and Perth saw thousands take to the streets to show their support. In this week's Podcast we caught up with 3SCOTS and some of the supporters as they battalion marched through Kirkcaldy.

Following yesterday's announcement of another record breaking Scottish Poppy Appeal total we are joined by Poppyscotland's Head of Fundraising Colin Flinn.  Colin takes some time to recognise the incredible work of our volunteers and to thank everyone who contributed to the 2011 Appeal.  He also explains where the £2.68million will go and why even new volunteers are urgently needed.

This week we are joined from Afghanistan by Cpt. Steven Bromley who tells us how 3SCOTS are maintaining the high standards they have set themselves during the final few weeks of their tour.  We also hear from Jacqueline Broadie, Regional Support Worker for the Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP), who explains the vital work the service is able to provide thanks to the support of Poppyscotland.

This week we link up with Privates Jamie MacLean, Wayne Ferguson and David Gracie on deployment in Afghanistan with 3 SCOTS.  Hear what life is like for the lads out on patrol and meeting the locals.

How many soldiers does it take to change a lightbulb (when the lightbulb is in a patrol base in central Helmand)?  WO2 Alan Cunningham discusses some of the logistical challenges he faces every day to keep 3SCOTS fully supplied on the front line in Afghanistan. L/c David Ure, Pvt Nick Cullingan and Pvt Sean (Paddy) Power also join us to reflect on a successful tour. 

We hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet on this week’s Poppyscotland Podcast.  We’re joined by new dads Cpl Colin Baxter and Cpl Richie Catto who are looking forward to returning home to see their new arrivals.  We also hear from Cpl Derek Wallace and C/Sgt Stan McCulloch from Camp Bastion.  Click on the link below for this week’s edition 

A fascinating insight into the 3SCOTS tour in Afghanistan from Maj Gary Tate, who is currently based in Camp Bastion.