Susan Boyle has launched this year’s Poppyscotland appeal.

The star was joined on the steps of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall by 80 women from West of Scotland and Edinburgh Garrison military wives’ choirs, and performed a special version of M People’s Proud.

Boyle said: “My father served in the Second World War so the Scottish Poppy Appeal is a cause close to my heart. The money raised means that Poppyscotland can provide much needed support to thousands of veterans and, of course, their families.

“The armed forces community today really needs our support and I hope the Scottish public will get behind the 2012 appeal and give as much money as they can when putting money in the poppy tins.”

Both choirs, formed by women whose husbands and partners are now serving in the armed forces, have received help from Poppyscotland.

Poppyscotland chief executive Ian McGregor said: “The Scottish Poppy Appeal is vital. The demands on our services are growing and the sad reality is they show no sign of diminishing Operations in Afghanistan mean servicemen and women will continue to suffer life-changing injuries, while mental health issues among veterans, such as PTSD, are a real and growing problem.

“We believe there will be a long tail of consequences for veterans both while the war in Afghanistan continues and far beyond the planned withdrawal in 2014.”