Susan Boyle launched the 2012 Poppy Appeal in Glasgow today, and people all over the country are being urged to dig deep to support ex-servicemen and their families. The launch is also the culmination of another year of hard work for the locally-based Lady Haig Poppy Factory – staff at Warriston have produced five million poppies for this year’s appeal.
Poppyscotland, the charity which runs the appeal, uses all the money raised to support Scotland’s ex-service members and their families. Last year a record-breaking £2.68m was raised during the Scottish poppy appeal, and the charity hopes to top that total this year – despite the ongoing economic gloom.
Ian McGregor, chief executive of Poppyscotland, said: “These are hard times. We know that the Scottish public has been tremendously supportive of our work in the past. We know we’re asking a lot, but we’re saying please can we increase that sum because the need is still there. It won’t go away. We have to be there for the long haul to support the Armed Forces and veterans community in Scotland.”
Around five million poppies and 8,000 wreaths are hand-assembled by 40 veterans with disabilities every year at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which are then distributed across Scotland by about 10,000 volunteers.
The Lady Haig Poppy Factory has always had an association with North Edinburgh, and is now based in Warriston Road. The organisation’s website explains:
‘The original Lady Haig Poppy Factory was opened in March 1926, employing men who had been disabled during World War 1 to make poppies for Scotland. We moved into the Warriston Road factory in 1965 and currently have a work force of 40 ex-Servicemen, the large majority of whom are registered disabled. While we are a commercial organisation, we are also a charity that provides dignity through work. Many of our workers have been with us for many years and there is a palpable feeling of the military about the place that provides a comfortable and secure atmosphere, for both visitors and workers alike. We work hard to ensure it remains primarily a happy and productive place.
As well as the five million poppies that are handmade each year, we also produce over 8,000 wreaths to order. We process over 25,000 collection tins and make up and dispatch orders to Poppy Appeal Area Organisers all over Scotland. We also make crosses for the Gardens of Remembrance and long stemmed poppies, for sale to the public via the factory.’
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory also offers a comprehensive picture framing service and factory tours can also be arranged – although they are fully booked for this year. To book a slot for 2013 call Jackie Connolly on 550 1573 or email through the charity’s website at www.ladyhaigspoppyfactory.org.uk