Sunday saw 160 cyclists descend on East Lothian to take part in the Poppyscotland East Lothian Sportive, a new charity cycling event to raise funds for Armed Forces veterans and their families.

Departing from Prestonpans Community Centre on a sunny morning, the participants chose between two routes – one at 45 miles and the other over 60 miles.

Each route took the cyclists along the county coast to North Berwick, out into the countryside around Gifford before travelling home to Prestonpans through Wallyford.

Poppyscotland encouraged participants to raise as much money as possible through sponsorship. The money raised from the Poppyscotland East Lothian Sportive will be used to support the charity’s work, providing practical support to members of the Armed Forces community living in Scotland. As well as providing financial assistance, Poppyscotland funds services in advice, employment, housing, health and respite.

Marianne Craig, Poppyscotland’s event fundraiser, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part. We strive to create new fundraising events for people to get involved in throughout the year and the first East Lothian Sportive has proved to be a huge success.

“We are really proud of everyone’s achievements and we hope we can build on this success next year.” Poppyscotland also thanked Bramik Foods, Leith Cycle Co and Musselburgh Road Cycling Club for their support in running the event.