08.11.2012
On Thursday, Jai McDowall, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2011, performed his version of the Nat King Cole classic 'Unforgettable' in the Parliament's Main Hall. The song has been recorded for this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The performance was attended by Presiding Officer Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, Members of the Scottish Parliament, and members of the public.
The Presiding Officer said: “Poppyscotland is the sole charity supported by the Scottish Parliament and I was delighted to welcome Jai to Holyrood today to help launch this year’s appeal.
"His version of ‘Unforgettable’ was exactly that and those fortunate enough to hear his performance this afternoon found it incredibly moving.”
Veterans’ charity Poppyscotland hopes that the song will offer a new way for people to support Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
Chief Executive Ian McGregor commented: “The 2012 campaign highlights the unforgettable support the Scottish public gives to improve the lives of members of the Armed Forces community by wearing a poppy and donating to the Appeal.
"This song is a perfect fit and we are very grateful to Jai. We hope this tribute will capture the public’s imagination and encourage support to the Appeal.”
The single was released on Monday to mark the start of Poppy Week and is available to download on iTunes for 99p, with at least 90p going to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Poppyscotland uses money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal to provide life-changing support to veterans and their families in Scotland, who may find it hard to make the adjustment from military to civilian life, struggling with issues such as finances, housing and employment.