Olympic rowing champion Heather Stanning has urged Scots to "go the extra mile" in their fundraising efforts for this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The double Olympic gold medallist, who stormed to victory in the women's pair with Helen Glover in London and Rio, was in Edinburgh on Friday to help promote the theme of this year's appeal - the Extra Mile.

Stanning, who is a Major in the British Army, challenged female soldiers at Redford Barracks to a rowing race to raise vital funds for the charity.

The soldiers attempted to beat her record time of completing a mile on a rowing machine.

The rowing challenge also coincided with the Female Festival of Sport, which encourages women of all ages to get into sport and physical activity.

Glasgow Times:

Stanning said: "I'm honoured to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal while promoting the Female Festival of Sport at the same time.

"I see first-hand how our servicemen and women go the extra mile as part of their everyday service.

"That's why I'd like to encourage the Scottish public to go the extra mile in their fundraising efforts for this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal so that Poppyscotland can continue to offer vital support for our Armed Forces community."

Glasgow Times:

Poppyscotland chief executive Mark Bibbey said: "We're overwhelmed by Heather's incredible support for this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal.

"Now more than ever before, the Armed Forces community needs the help of the Scottish public.

"The reality is that one in eight veterans have a fundamental unmet need for support, and more than half suffer from a long-term illness or disability.

"That's why we're so pleased to have Heather's support in calling on the Scottish public to go that extra mile for this year's Poppy Appeal.

"Whether it's rowing a mile at Olympic pace like Heather and the soldiers at Redford Barracks, or simply popping a bit more in the poppy tin, every penny helps us to offer life-changing support so we can be there when they call for back-up."