About Us
The Thurso Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland (also known as Legion Scotland), is one of 138 branches and 59 associated Clubs across all of Scotland. It is important to note that we are a different organisation to the Royal British Legion, who operate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, although we do work very closely together.
The Branch is run by volunteers who all have a common goal of working towards improving the circumstances of ex-service people across Scotland. Anyone can become a member, not just ex service personnel. Click here to find out more.
When you join the Branch, your membership also entitles you to make use of the Club which includes the many benefits of the excellent facility we have in Thurso and the entertainment and sports that are regularly arranged.
There are many members on the committees that help run and manage the Thurso branch and Club, alongside our excellent manager, Shelley Cowie and staff.
The latest minutes of the Branch and Club committees, plus the last AGM and any Special GM minutes can be found on the committee page as well.
History
In June 1921, Field Marshal Earl Haig formed the Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland) as it is now known, by bringing together several charities that had been established to assist those returning from the horrors of the First World War and residing in Scotland.
Around the same time the Royal British Legion, as it is now known, was also formed to assist those returning and living south of the border. Although the two work very closely together, they are completely separate organisations.
Earl Haig also established two poppy appeal funds. One was organised and delivered by the Royal British Legion in all areas other than Scotland. The second was delivered by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, now commonly known as Poppyscotland. Whilst the Scottish Poppy Appeal is heavily supported by Legion Scotland with about one third of the annual can collection raised by its members, the appeal is owned by Poppyscotland not Legion Scotland.
Today
The Legion today is just as relevant as it was just under a 100 years ago. When servicemen and women return to civilian life after serving with the Armed Forces some are in need of community and friendship, maybe as a result of their experiences in the services or purely because they are no longer part of the ‘military family’ they had come to rely. We make a difference every day to the lives of those veterans through our comradeship and befriending programme, developing strong communities and supporting remembrance.
Our large family network is spread across Scotland and helps support veterans and their families to get on with their lives and assists those who require assistance.