Poppyscotland has officially launched the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal, with this year’s poignant theme centring around, ‘When someone serves in the Armed Forces, their family serves too’.
The annual campaign, which raises vital funds to support veterans, serving personnel, and their dependents across Scotland, officially got underway today (Tuesday, 20th October).
To launch the 2026 appeal, Poppyscotland welcomed charity beneficiaries and their families to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh. Each had received Poppyscotland’s support during a time of need.
Former RAF radiographer Sylvie Ibie sought help from the charity after suddenly losing her job and home and being forced to sleep on a church floor.
Poppyscotland referred Sylvia and her teenage daughter to an organisation that found them a property, then provided white goods, bedroom furniture and other essentials for their new home. The charity also supplied food and clothing vouchers to help them get back on their feet before Sylvia secured a senior NHS role.
Former military police officer Derek Loughran says Poppyscotland’s “life-changing” support enabled him to return to work. After injuries sustained on active duty, which saw him away from his family for long periods of time, the charity provided a state-of-the-art treadmill to aid his recovery.
As his wife Christine’s Alzheimer’s became more difficult to manage, Reverend Peter Meagre, a former Royal Army Chaplains’ Department chaplain, sought help from Poppyscotland’s Admiral Nurse service. Admiral Nurse Kath arranged treatment, respite and care support, and helped Peter better understand the condition and access mental health support as Christine’s carer.
All three former Armed Forces members expressed deep gratitude for Poppyscotland’s welfare support, which transformed their families’ experiences.
The launch was also attended by 11-year-old Ava Mitchell, the Poppy Appeal’s youngest volunteer. Inspired by relatives who served in the Armed Forces and received support from Poppyscotland, she has volunteered since the age of five to give back to the charity for helping the country’s veterans.
The charities Head of Scotland, Leanne Bonner said: “This year’s campaign shines a dedicated spotlight on the vital, yet often unsung, support network behind every uniform. Military families experience unique challenges – including long separations, frequent relocations, and the constant anxiety of having a loved one deployed.
“Poppyscotland aims to remind the public that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline.
“We want to ensure that military families receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve. Every donation to the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes toward providing life-changing financial aid, housing support, employment advice, and mental health services to our community here in Scotland.”
From late October, millions of iconic Scottish four-petal poppies will be distributed by a dedicated network of volunteers cross country in high streets, supermarkets, train stations, and schools.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with all funds raised helping Poppyscotland continue to provide life-changing support and advice to Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
