Tag: Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory

Scottish Secretary visits Poppy Factory

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Redford Barracks yesterday.

The factory makes five million poppies and 15,000 wreaths every year to raise funds for Poppyscotland’s veteran support services. During lockdown the factory staff worked from home, continuing to make poppies for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Mr Jack met factory manager Major Charlie Pelling (retired) and many of the former service men and women who work in the factory.

Speaking after his visit, Alister Jack said: “It was a real privilege to visit Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and meet the former service men and women who produce the famous poppies.

“It was heartening to hear how hard they had all worked to make sure that production continued right through lockdown. Every year Poppyscotland raises much needed money for veterans charities, and I wish them the very best of luck with this year’s appeal.

Charlie Pelling, Manager at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “The lockdown has been a very challenging period for us but it is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our workforce that they adapted to home working so enthusiastically.

“In doing so that have ensured that the millions of poppies needed for the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal would be ready in time. While we expect this year’s Appeal to be different due to the ongoing pandemic, it is vital that we continue to have the support of the public, without which Poppyscotland would not be able to continue offering it’s life-changing support to our Armed Forces community.”

Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, a subsidiary of Poppyscotland, is currently located in Redford Barracks while their permanent premises in Canonmills are refurbished.

Poppyscotland raises money through the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal to deliver support to members of the armed forces community. The charity funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.

Poppy Factory becomes Living Wage Employer

It’s dedicated team of 41 Armed Forces veterans hand assemble more than five million poppies and 12,000 wreaths every year – but now Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory (LHPF) can add another feather to its cap after becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer. Continue reading Poppy Factory becomes Living Wage Employer

Subo pops in to support poppy appeal

suboScotland’s singing superstar Susan Boyle visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Warriston yesterday to help with the dispatch of poppies ahead of the 2014 Scottish Poppy Appeal in November.
Susan, a long-standing supporter of Poppyscotland, the charity that runs the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, met the 40 veterans with disabilities who work at the factory, before helping to load some of the 5 million poppies on to vehicles for distribution to volunteers across Scotland.
Five million poppies and more than 10,000 wreaths are hand-assembled annually at the historic Factory. The poppies are then sent to Poppyscotland volunteers the length and breadth of Scotland who will ensure they are available to the public in November.
Susan, resplendent in poppy red, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the veterans who make poppies all year round for the Scottish Poppy Appeal before sending them to the many volunteers across the country. It is a fascinating process and I hope that when the poppies start to appear in our shops, schools and businesses in the coming weeks, the Scottish public will once again show their support.”
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory Manager Charlie Pelling added: “We are delighted that Susan joined us today. The dispatch of poppies for the Appeal is an important milestone in our calendar as it marks the culmination of a year of hard work. This year we have seen a high demand for wreaths and other Remembrance items because of First World War centenary events and we expect this to continue over the next four years. Susan’s visit gave the guys a real boost.”
Information about the Factory and an online wreath ordering facility is available at www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk