Is laughter really the best medicine? The ‘Recovery Through Comedy Show’ sets out to prove it is, as a group of Armed Forces veterans, and a currently serving female member of the Armed Forces, bring their unique comedy to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 11th and 12th August at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory.
The performers are all graduates of an innovative veterans’ programme developed by the Royal British Legion. The programme uses comedy techniques to promote resilience, and support mental health and wellbeing. Although they had no previous experience, the participants have been supported to create their own original stand-up comedy sets and received rave reviews for their earlier performances.
This will be the first time Poppyscotland, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, has hosted a Fringe event and follows the refurbishment of the historic Lady Haig Poppy Factory building.
Poppyscotland’s Director, Austin Hardie, said: “We’re very proud to be able to bring the ‘Recovery through Comedy Show’ to this year’s Fringe. Not only is it very funny, the show also gives a voice to veterans in a new and inspiring way that challenges preconceptions.
“At Poppyscotland, we provide support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families in whatever way works best for them. Initiatives like ‘Recovery through Comedy’ show that there are many ways to help them overcome whatever challenges they face.”
The free, ticketed show will be at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Warriston on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th August, with performances at 2pm and 6pm each day. Capacity is limited so guests are encouraged to secure their tickets as early as possible.
Scottish pupils have impressed judges with their touching diary entries depicting the outbreak of war.
Liam McNamee, from Castleview Primary School in Edinburgh, and Maya Al-Najim, from The High School of Glasgow, have been announced as the winners of Poppyscotland’s My Secret War Diary competition.
Launching as part of the charity’s annual learning pack, the competition asked learners to write a diary entry depicting how the outbreak of war would impact their lives. With an open-ended brief, pupils were invited to draw on conflicts from past, present or future.
Liam, a P7 pupil, won the primary school category with his “unique perspective”, choosing to write from the point of a father struggling to process what the change would mean to his family. Maya, who is in S3, took the secondary prize with her “emotive and gripping” diary entry set in Belgium in 1914.
This year’s competition saw over 140 entries from schools all across Scotland. Eight judges from Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Officers’ Association Scotland came together to shortlist the entries down to 16 per category. After much deliberation from the judges these were further narrowed down to just six final entries per category.
The six finalists were made public on the Poppyscotland website for the public to choose their winners. With a phenomenal total of more than 1,400 votes cast across the ten days, the public chose Liam and Maya as their winners.
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, presented Liam with his award in front of his peers, saying: “It was a great pleasure to visit Castleview and present this year’s primary school winner with his certificate and the £500 vouchers for the school to use.
“Every year our team of judges are hard pressed to short list for the public voting. The creative thought and effort that all entrants put in is something that their schools are rightly proud off.
“However, Liam’s diary entry stood out and painted a picture through his words of what was happening in those early days of the Second World War. It made it very easy for me to think I was transported back to that time.”
Katie White, Liam’s class teacher, said: “Poppyscotland’s learning competition this year fitted seamlessly into our curriculum. It boosted my pupils’ awareness of Poppyscotland’s work and allowed them to further contextualise their learning about the Second World War. Having a competition to enter sparked enthusiasm amongst my learners and provided us with a whole term’s worth of writing work.
“I am incredibly proud of Liam’s win, as is he. Not only is it a huge personal achievement for him, but it is a wonderful way for him to finish his time at Castleview Primary School.”
Thomas Connor, a P7 pupil from Gargieston Primary School and Eva-Grace Young, an S3 pupil from St Joseph’s Academy, both in Kilmarnock, have also been recognised with the Judge’s Choice award for their thoughtful and emotive entries.
Both Liam and Maya will receive £500 worth of vouchers for their school, a visit from Bud, Poppyscotland’s micro museum, and a class trip to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Each of the Judge’s Choice award recipients will receive £50 of vouchers for their school and a tour of the factory.
Back for its 8th year, the event takes place on Sunday 24th September and is expected to attract more than 800 cyclists to three scenic routes through East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tandems and e-bikes are welcome.
The event is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal, and has already raised more than £300,000 to provide vital support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.
This year’s event was launched by cyclists from VIE Velo, a tandem club for visually impaired people and sighed pilots, with Poppyscotland supporter Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark, who took part in the 2022 event and is dusting his bike off again for this year.
Allan Balfour, a visually impaired cyclist from VIE Velo who also took part last year, said: “I was delighted to participate in the Poppyscotland Sportive in 2022 and was overwhelmed by the supremely efficient manner in which the event was conducted.
“The Sportive was a great challenge for me – it was the longest ride I have undertaken, and I’m looking forward to returning this year. Most of all though, it was great to be able to support such a deserving cause.”
Lt Col Clark said: “The Sportive is a great cycling event – three routes catering for all abilities, through beautiful landscape, for a great cause.
“Whether you’re a serious road racer looking for a challenge or fancy a more gentle, ‘social’ pace, the Poppyscotland Sportive has something for you. The atmosphere is really friendly, it’s brilliantly organised, and worth remembering that that the funds are being raised for one of Scotland’s most effective and well-respected service charities, supporting those who have stepped up and served the nation, and now need our help. So give it a go – you really won’t regret it!”
Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, the three routes range from 45 to 102 miles, taking in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then looping round the East Lothian countryside.
More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders before heading on ward to Midlothian.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “The Sportive is always a hugely popular event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible. We’re really pleased to be welcoming back e-bikes and tandems, following their successful introduction in 2022.
“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.
“I’m very grateful to all the cyclists who have helped to raise more than £300,000 to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”
The Sportive is an ‘open road’ cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed, to minimise disruption to the public.
At dawn on April 25th, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), together with British, French, and Russian forces landed on the Dardanelles Peninsula (now part of Turkey) at the start of the Gallipoli campaign.
This ended in a stalemate, with troops withdrawing in January 1916. More than 100,000 soldiers were killed.
At dawn on April 25th, 2023, Veterans and their families will gather at Comely Bank Cemetery, Edinburgh where 16 ANZAC Soldiers are laid to rest and take part in an international remembrance service to mark the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War.
Traditionally ANZAC Day services commence at dawn, coinciding with the moment ANZAC forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in April 1915.
Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will join members of the Australian and New Zealand community for the service and wreath-laying ceremony at Comely Bank Cemetery at 5.00am. Led by Rev Dr Karen Campbell, it will feature Scots Guards Association piper Cameron Cochrane and bugler Iona McFarlane.
Later that morning, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Government representatives from Scotland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Turkey will take part in Legion Scotland’s annual ANZAC and Gallipoli Day Service at the Scottish National War Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle at 11am.
ANZAC Day marks the service and sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Armed Forces, as well as those from Scotland and the rest of the world who served alongside them. It is the National Day of Remembrance in the two countries.
Both services are open to the public, with a limited number of tickets for the memorial available from 9:30-10:15am in front of the Castle on the Esplanade.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This is an opportunity to come together to remember the service and sacrifices of ANZAC servicemen and women through the years, as well as our own soldiers who fell during the Gallipoli campaign.
“It is a chance to reflect on the extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces community, both past and present, as well as the enduring friendship between our countries.”
Falklands and Gulf War veteran Graham Walker and his family are setting off on a new mission – to discover the hidden secrets of Edinburgh.
Graham, a Royal Navy veteran and retired college lecturer from Fife, and his wife, Marion, are taking up Poppyscotland’s challenge to complete the 10km Poppy Quest, while solving clues along the way.
Entries are now open for the Poppy Quest Edinburgh, a family-friendly fundraising challenge for all ages on Saturday 3rd June. A similar event will take place in Glasgow on Saturday 10th June.
The charity is encouraging groups and individuals to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
Participants will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city, with the chance to win prizes for raising funds. There will also be a special competition for youth group teams, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.
Starting and finishing from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Canonmills, they will also be invited to take a tour of the newly refurbished factory. The route will take in Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, the Water of Leith, and many famous and lesser-known landmarks. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.
Graham said: “Poppy Quest is a great day out and we’re really looking forward to doing it again. We thought we knew Edinburgh quite well, but this is a nice way to see the city and learn some more along the way.
“It’s important that veterans know that support is out there if they need it and Poppyscotland is always there for them.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest is a fantastic way to explore Edinburgh and discover the city’s hidden gems We’re encouraging families, groups, and individuals to challenge themselves, and stretch their minds and legs along the way!
“You don’t need to pass a military fitness test to take part – it’s suitable for all ages and abilities, with four-legged friends welcome as well. Starting from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even have a picnic en-route.
“All funds will go to support our life-changing work with our Armed Forces community. We are seeing unprecedented demand for support now, as men, women, and families throughout Scotland struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.
“So why not put on your walking shoes, and join us for a unique day out for a great cause?”
Registration costs are £14 for adults, £6 for 10-17 year olds, while children aged 9 and under are free. All participants will receive a map, quiz and Poppy Quest pin badge, with medals and t-shirts for raising funds. Full support will be given prior to the walk, including a fundraising pack and preparation ideas.
A Scottish charity for veterans of the British Armed Forces has received a £1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline in honour of Remembrance Day.
Poppyscotland provides support for current and former members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, living in Scotland. The charity maintains a safe space for men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the armed forces or with their struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
This is the third year in a row that Amazon in Dunfermline has donated to Poppyscotland. This year, the donation will go towards the charity’s welfare services for the Armed Forces community, providing advice and support to those struggling with finances, employment, housing, mobility needs, mental or physical health issues and more.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Amazon has long been a proud supporter of the UK’s armed forces community and we’re pleased to make this donation to Poppyscotland.
“The work done by the charity’s staff and volunteers does not go unnoticed in our community.”
Megan Wright, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “My family has received so much support from the team at Poppyscotland.
I’m happy that Amazon can help the charity with this donation.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland , added: “The team at Poppyscotland and I would like to say a big thank you to Jamie and our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline for this generous donation. We appreciate all the support we can get, and with donations like this, we can provide help to the men and women who need it most.”
“Every penny will help us offer life-changing welfare support to Scotland’s Armed Forces community, helping with housing, employment, finances, mental and physical health issues, and more.”
“We’re also delighted to hear how Amazon is supporting veterans making the transition to civilian life, assisting them in training for new careers after service.”
The donation to Poppyscotland was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.
Almost a decade ago, Amazon signed The Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant has a focus on helping the Armed Forces community to access the same support from Government and commercial services as the public.
Last year, Amazon increased its support of the military community by growing its partnership with the Royal British Legion.
The partnership, which began two years ago, sees Amazon encourage customers to support the Royal British Legion through an official charity store, featuring products that raise money for the Legion. All proceeds from the sale of goods go directly to the charity. Amazon also offers customers the opportunity to support the Royal British Legion through Amazon Smile.
In addition to several support programmes for the Royal British Legion and other services charities, Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.
Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal called into Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday 19th January) to officially re-open the campus following a two-year refurbishment.
Her Royal Highness toured the factory and its new exhibition space, and chatted to staff, before visiting Poppyscotland’s mobile museum, Bud.
The factory, founded in 1926, will now re-open to visitors and school groups following the project to showcase its history and heritage. Thirty-three disabled veterans work in the factory on Logie Green Road, making more than three million poppies each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as wreaths and other tributes.
Her Royal Highness was met by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Brigadier Dr John Reid Thomson, who is also chair of the factory, Poppyscotland’s President, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Helen Owen, chair of Poppyscotland, and factory manager, Major Charlie Pelling.
David Adamson, a wreath maker and tour guide, who served for 22 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, gave her a tour of the factory, introducing the team.
During her visit, she spent time talking to the veterans about their experiences and the different stages of making poppies and wreaths. She signed a “reflection postcard” which will form part of a wall display in the factory.
She also met Summer Saunders and Kate Miller, both 17, from Ayr, who designed a silk red poppy dress as part of the “Junk Kouture” sustainability project and Sophie Henderson, 14, from Ayrshire, who won Poppyscotland’s 2020 poetry competition with her poem “In Future Fields”, a response to John McRae’s 1915 “In Flanders Fields”.
Her Royal Highness then toured Bud, the 18-tonne truck which transforms into a micro-museum, that has now travelled to every local authority in Scotland. She unveiled a plaque before being presented with a framed copy of both poems by Ms Owen.
Ms Owen said: “We are very grateful to Her Royal Highness for taking the time to meet the team involved in this exciting project, as well as her continued support for our Armed Forces community.
“The veterans enjoyed showing her how poppies and wreaths are hand-made using traditional methods, and explaining the unique history of the factory.”
Mr Adamson said: “She was very interested in everything, and took the time to speak to as many of the guys as possible. She also noticed the big difference from last time she visited.”
To find out more about Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory or book a tour, go to:
Communities across Scotland fell silent at 11am today (Friday 11th November) to mark Armistice Day and remember those who laid down their lives in defence of our nation.
Veterans, members of the Armed Services and the public came together around the country to pay tribute, including children of serving military personnel paying their respects in Dunblane.
The First World War came to an end at 11am on the 11th of November, 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. Each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to the fallen from that and other conflicts at the same time.
“We were very disappointed that the planned service at Princes Street Gardens could not go ahead due to the weather warnings, but public safety has to be paramount. While the service was much smaller than planned, we were glad that veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and elsewhere were able to join us in paying tribute, while people across Scotland observed the two minutes silence.”
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.
Retired Army Major Andrew Johnstone, from Brisbane, Australia, joined the service at the factory. He said: “When you sign up, you sign a blank cheque that you are prepared to give your life for your country.
“I know many who are not here today because of that, and it’s important that we remember them.”
Aidan Stephen, from Edinburgh, who served as a Major with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, was among those paying tribute in Edinburgh City Centre. He said: “We just can’t forget. There isn’t a single person in my family who has not been affected by conflict in some way. I think of them today, as well as the friends I’ve lost.”
Pupils at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, which has been looking after the children of UK service personnel since 1908, visited Bud, Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum. They learned more about the origins of the poppy as our national symbol of remembrance and the vital work Poppyscotland still undertakes supporting the Armed Forces community today.
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.
S1 student Ruby May Gibson, whose father and brother are both currently serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My brother, my dad and my grandparents all served so this is an important day for me. On Armistice Day I think about the people who fought and died for us.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the poppy on Bud. I think it is so important that we always remember.”
Armistice Day is followed tomorrow by “Poppy Saturday”, a day when streets and shopping centres will be filled with thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers as the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal approaches its culmination.
One day later, Scotland will again fall silent to mark Remembrance Sunday. The First Minister will join military and civic leaders, serving personnel and veterans at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh at 11am, with local Remembrance Sunday events taking place in communities across the country.
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Sienna Patounas (S1) lays a poppy in the Garden of Remembrance at Queen Victoria School.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery paid an emotional tribute to fallen comrades as he performed at the city’s annual Poppy Day yesterday (THURS 3rd NOV).
The Chelsea pensioner and Korean war veteran, who became the talent show’s oldest ever winner in 2019, joined the fundraising concert at St Andrew Square, hosted by BFBS The Forces Station.
He performed alongside the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, acclaimed folk musician Alan Brydon, Royal Navy veteran Richard Kerr, and George Heriot’s Pipe Band, while visitors also enjoyed a display of historic vehicles in the square.
The city centre blossomed with poppies as scores of collectors hit streets, supermarkets and shopping centres to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal. They were boosted by groups from Legion Scotland, the Armed Forces, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and local and national businesses.
Poppyscotland’s Bud mobile museum opened its doors to the public on Waverley Bridge, inviting people of all ages to explore the history of remembrance and try their hands at making their own poppy.
The event is the Scottish Poppy Appeal’s largest fundraising event in the Capital, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds to supports its welfare work with the Armed Forces community.
Colin, 92, who served in the Royal Artillery, will also be performing at the Festival of Remembrance at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Saturday night (NOV 5th).
Colin said: “The response here in Edinburgh has been extraordinary and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Having done it for many years myself, it is great to see so many out collecting on the streets, in all weathers.
“It’s very gratifying to see how much support there is, and I find it heart-warming to see people wearing poppies. I have been in battles and the people we are remembering are the guys who didn’t make it home.
“For veterans, it is always good to know that Poppyscotland is there if they or their families ever need support, or even just a friendly face.”
Collector Ian Foster, from Falkirk, who served for 15 years with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, said: “We’ve had a wonderful response from the public today. This is a very special time of year for me, and I always feel humbled and grateful when I see people wearing poppies and showing their support.”
Hamish McGregor, a volunteer Area Organiser for Poppyscotland and Royal Army Medical Corps veteran, said: “For me, the poppy is symbolic of a young person’s heart. Every time I give someone a poppy, I think of the young people who gave their lives over the years.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “There’s been a fantastic atmosphere today, and we’ve been delighted to see all the talent on show at the concert. The public has really taken Colin to their hearts.
“We have had magnificent support from the Armed Forces community, Edinburgh businesses, and all the volunteers who have given up their time to help today.
“We were also pleased to see so many people of all ages taking the chance to explore Bud, and learn more about the history of the poppy and role of remembrance in Scotland.
“Our Armed Forces do remarkable things to protect us and our way of life, despite never having met us. Wearing a poppy is a way to show that you care, and that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue it vital, life-changing work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families throughout Scotland.”
For more information on the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal visit poppyscotland.org.uk. Tickets for the Festival of Remembrance cost £12 and are available from Dundee City Box office via their website or by calling 01382 434940.
Service personnel past and present launched this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal at a ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday (MONDAY 24th OCT).
The sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community were honoured at the official opening of the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance, which also marked the start of the annual Appeal.
Senior members of all three Armed Services, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Lieutenant Colonel Lorne Ian Campbell, and Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson joined forces for the launch, highlighting the importance of the remembrance period and outlining why wearing a poppy remains vital.
Lt Col Campbell, Commander of Edinburgh Garrison, said: “Throughout my career at this time of year I have paused to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by those who have gone before.
“I think of those fellow soldiers I have served with who have done their duty by their country in the heat and cold, wet and dry, 24 hours a day and seven days a week at peace, on operations and at war to protect the nation and defend our way of life.
“I have been reassured by the quite outstanding work conducted over the many years by Poppyscotland in support of those who have needed, and in many cases still do, help to overcome challenges that some face once they hang up their uniforms for the last time.”
Brigadier Muddiman, Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland added: “Sacrifice is something that should always be acknowledged and the Remembrance period is when we collectively as a nation remember those service personnel who gave their lives in order to ensure our way of life continues.
“It’s gratifying to see people wearing the poppy because it shows that people do care and that they are happy to outwardly display that. It reminds everyone that we have entered that period when we should be remembering those souls who did not return from battlefield and acknowledging that our country retains the freedom it has as a result of that sacrifice.”
Three million poppies are being distributed throughout Scotland as part of the country’s largest fundraising appeal, supporting Poppyscotland’s welfare and advice services. The charity’s army of thousands of volunteers are hitting the streets, as well as collecting in supermarkets and delivering poppies to shops, businesses and schools.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “This is a chance to recognise the extraordinary service our Armed Forces offer to the country, and how they risk everything to protect each one of us, despite never having met us.
“Wearing your poppy shows serving personnel, veterans and their families, their service and sacrifice means something to you and will never be forgotten. All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work, providing advice and welfare support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
“This is needed more than ever, as we are seeing an increasing demand for our services due to the cost-of-living crisis.”
The service of remembrance was led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, before a wreath-laying ceremony which included The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans.
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided music, as well as piper Angus Adams from George Heriot’s School.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland added: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is essential that we continue to honour and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Today’s ceremony is an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to all who have served over the years.
“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the garden over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.”
People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at
