Tag: Poppy Day

Support for Scotland’s veterans 

Groups urged to apply to Scottish Veterans Fund

Organisations offering support to veterans and their families are being urged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help those facing disadvantage as a result of their service to the country.

The Scottish Veterans Fund small grants scheme is open for applications and offers support to projects working with the veterans’ community.

This includes supporting veterans and their families to achieve a successful transition to civilian life and projects that aim to make Scotland the most attractive place to be after leaving the services.

While meeting volunteer poppy sellers in Edinburgh to mark the city’s Poppy Day, Veterans Minister Jamie Hepburn encouraged organisations working with veterans to apply to the scheme by the deadline of November 20th.

Mr Hepburn said: “Last year we launched our small grants scheme as part of the Scottish Veterans fund, to create more opportunities for smaller organisations to receive funding and it was hugely popular.

“This £100,000 fund offers grants of up to £10,000 for one year, and will prioritise projects that align with recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.

“Edinburgh’s Poppy Day is a good time to remind people to apply for this more agile funding pot. The Scottish Government is grateful for the tremendous work undertaken by the staff and volunteers of Poppyscotland.

“The Scottish Poppy Appeal provides a vital opportunity to show our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Veterans Fund is open for applications. It is available for one-year projects that support veterans and their families in Scotland or strengthen connections between serving families and the veterans community.

“I would encourage eligible organisations to consider whether the fund could help bring a worthwhile project to life, as effective support can make a profound difference.”

Applications remain open until Friday 20 November 2026, at 11:59pm.

Edinburgh set to come alive for City Poppy Day 2025

Scotland’s capital city is gearing up to host what has become a firm fixture in its calendar this week. Supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal, Edinburgh Poppy Day returns tomorrow (Thursday, October 30), live from St Andrew Square throughout the day. 

Working in partnership with Poppyscotland to provide the day’s entertainment is BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) with presenters Mark McKenzie and Jim Gellatly who will host a concert with music from the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland, Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, Rosyth Military Wives Choir, RBLS Dunfermline & District Pipe Band and Wave of the Flood, Royal Marine veteran Richard Kerr and George Heriot’s School Pipe Band.

They will also speak to a host of special guests live on air throughout the day from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Scores of volunteers will also be out on the day to collect the vital funds the charity needs to continue supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland.  

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “Edinburgh Poppy Day is always a huge hit across our capital city with locals and visitors taking in the atmosphere and entertainment in St Andrew Square and further afield.

“It is a day where people come together to show their support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal as we lead up to our national day of Remembrance. So, please pop along, donate what you can, wear your poppy with pride and say hello to our wonderful team of volunteers.”

Radio presenter Mark McKenzie, of BFBS, said: “This is always a great day where BFBS teams up with fantastic musicians to highlight the work done by Poppyscotland and how the charity supports our Armed Forces and the veteran’s community.”

Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility. 

Scotland embraces annual ‘Poppy Day’

Thousands of volunteers took to the streets across the country yesterday to collect for the 2019 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

A day before Remembrance Sunday, it was one of the last opportunities for the Scottish public to pick up a poppy and make a donation to help support the country’s Armed Forces community. Continue reading Scotland embraces annual ‘Poppy Day’