THE Royal British Legion Scotland has defended a decision to rebrand as Legion Scotland after criticism from pro-union supporters.
The veterans' charity said the change was not a political move but was made to differentiate it from The Royal British Legion south of the Border.
Despite having similar names, the charities are separate and have been since they were set up in 1921.
Social media users have attacked Legion Scotland for dropping the words "Royal" and "British" in the year of the referendum.
Comments posted on a Facebook group entitled "I am British and Proud" claim the change is an "insult" to veterans, and call for the decision to be reversed.
The charity said the move was made to tackle confusion, and it has hit back at critics for targeting it as volunteers and staff concentrate on organising remembrance events across Scotland.
It points out that only the trading title of the charity has been changed, while the legal name Royal British Legion Scotland remains.
Chief executive Kevin Gray said: "The day-to-day name of Legion Scotland has been in place since May, 2014, and was launched, along with new services, to place the charity in a stronger position to help the ex-service community of Scotland.
"It helps to clearly differentiate us as a charity from The Royal British Legion (TRBL) group of charities. We have not removed 'Royal' or 'British' from our legal name. We are very proud of our history and our values.
"This change is vital to ensure that our members, supporters, volunteers and the public know who we are and what we do.
"We are here for all veterans and their families in Scotland, as we have been since we were set up in 1921 to help soldiers coming home from the First World War.
"We are extremely grateful to all those who give us their kind and valuable support, but with your continued support we can do so much more."
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