A joint concert to be held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall next spring is set to recognise the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from this year’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert held back in June.
Scotland’s Salute: VE80 is Scotland’s National VE activities, endorsed by the Scottish Government. It will take place on 6th May (two days before VE Day) at the Usher Hall and will be a musical extravaganza that will focus on telling the events that led to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance. Music will be provided by a tri-service orchestra.
The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with BFBS’s own Mark Mckenzie acting as the evenings compere.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland are exceptionally proud to bring the latest in our commemorative concerts in honour of this historic milestone in partnership with Poppyscotland.
“Our Scotland Salutes concert is set to be a fantastic evening, with wonderful music and stories playing out on stage, whilst representing our nation coming together to reflect on the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe, 80 years on.”
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland added: “It is always important to reflect on the sacrifices that Service requires, and indeed to celebrate VE Day, in particular in 2025 given that it is the 80th anniversary of such a historic event.
“All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”
Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, and are the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones, are available from November 25th and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.
Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2024 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors, including veterans themselves and hundreds of young cadets, from Glasgow to Girvan, Edinburgh to Elgin, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community.
Tomorrow the nation will fall silent in sombre reflection and pause for two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, safe in the knowledge that Poppy Saturday across Scotland has once again been a roaring success, with shoppers enthusiastically donating.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “We cannot thank each and every volunteer and indeed donator enough for their continued support to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“The response we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“On behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously. Without such support, quite frankly the Scottish Poppy Appeal simply could not happen.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
His Majesty The King will lead the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict
Members of The Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London
10,000 veterans will march past the Cenotaph in tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s Veteran Parade
His Majesty The King will lead the UK in the annual two-minute silence to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.
The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
First Minister John Swinney MSP will join Robert Aldridge the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, as well as veterans, and military personnel to remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday in Edinburgh.
Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to take part in the annual two-minute silence at the Cenotaph and to watch The Royal British Legion’s veterans parade.
Of the 10,000 individuals marching this year, 326 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations will be represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from the bereaved children of Scotty’s Little Soldiers through to the D-Day veterans of the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
Defence Minister Al Carns OBE MC, whose portfolio encompasses veterans and the wider Armed Forces community, will parade past the Cenotaph as part of the Royal Marines Association. The Afghanistan veteran completed his military service in May.
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the Second World War, the 25th anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo, as well as the 75th anniversary of NATO and the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
Next year will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and the Allied victory in Europe and VJ Day, marking the end of the Second World War in the Far East.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This weekend, we come together to honour those who laid down their lives to keep our country safe. The freedoms we enjoy today – our democracy, our values, our way of life – have been hard won over generations. We are forever in debt to those brave souls who fought to defend this country, and who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We honour them today and always. We remember them today and always.
“And as we do, we also think of those who are serving our country now, often far away from home, putting themselves in harm’s way so that we may sleep soundly in our beds.
“It is that service, and the courage and sacrifice of so many over the generations, that brings the country together this weekend, in a spirit of the most profound gratitude and respect.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We remember all those whose courage in the face of unimaginable hardship shaped the world we live in today.
“Every generation owes a debt to those who fought and fell, and it is our duty to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
“It is a privilege and personal honour to represent Wigan, a constituency with so many veterans and their families, who truly represent the best of us. Today, we stand together across communities, in grief and in gratitude and remember that the values of freedom, justice, and equality—are not just the legacy of the past. They are the challenges we face in the present, and the work we continue to build for the future.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we unite behind our Armed Forces community and honour those who gave their lives for our freedom.
“We think of those who fell liberating Europe on D-Day 80 years ago. And we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the conflicts before and since.
“Across Remembrance weekend we will hear powerful memories from our veterans and their families. We have a duty to educate future generations about their courage and commitment to defending Britain.
“To all those serving, those who have served, and their families, we say thank you. And for those we have lost, we will remember them.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “Remembrance Sunday is both a national commemoration and a deeply personal moment of reflection as we contemplate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives so that we today might be free.
“Beyond the Cenotaph, it will be marked in communities across the United Kingdom, and wherever in the world our soldiers, sailors and aviators find themselves serving their country. We shall remember them.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “In a year that marks the 80th anniversary of the battles of 1944, 25 years since the end of the war in Kosovo, and 10 years since UK forces ended operations in Afghanistan, Remembrance continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations to recognise the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.
“From risking their lives in war zones to spending time away from their families, and providing support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, we owe those who choose to serve in the Armed Forces our gratitude and this weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember their service.”
More than 800 sailors, soldiers and aviators will be on duty on Remembrance Sunday, representing their services at the Cenotaph and at commemorative services at Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
The UK Armed Forces continue to honour the legacy of their predecessors by working year-round to safeguard UK security and global stability. As the nation remembers its fallen, British forces around the world will be protecting NATO’s eastern flank from threats, disrupting threats to international shipping in the world’s busiest shipping lanes and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country.
Additional personnel also remain on standby in Cyprus to support with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. In all, close to 6,000 personnel will be deployed on operations and overseas bases around the world on Remembrance Sunday.
For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on the BBC, and Sky News.
The Scottish Rugby coach chatted with Rav Ravutia about the upcoming Scotland V Fiji match at Murrayfield to be played today – Saturday, November 2 with a 5.40pm KO
Scotland international rugby coach Gregor Townsend enjoyed some friendly rivalry as he chatted with a Fijian veteran, whilst launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024.
The rugby legend was visiting Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh when he was introduced to staff member, Fijian national Rav Ravutia, ahead of his side’s Nations Series opener against Fiji on November 2.
Aswell as discussing the upcoming match, Gregor was interested to hear about Rav’s story and how he came to serve in Scotland and later work for Poppyscotland.
Rav, 51, was first introduced to Scotland after visiting the capital with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band who were invited to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1998.
Upon returning to his homeland, the following year Rav resigned from the Fijian Army after eight and a half years service and flew to Scotland to sign up for the British Army.
Serving from 1999 to 2023, Rav was a member of the Royal Scots and later the Adjutant General Corps.
After leaving the Army he was a member of the Royal Scots Regimental Association Fijian branch in Edinburgh but found himself unemployed and with a forces disability was unsure where to turn.
With the help of fellow veteran friends, Rav was introduced to Poppyscotland.
Rav said: “Last year I was introduced to the work of Poppyscotland and very quickly was made extremely welcome. That is when I began my new career here as a veteran poppy and wreath maker.
“It is an absolute honour to work for this charity and goes to show just one of the many ways they can help veterans following service.”
Rav continued: “It was great to meet Scotland international coach Mr Townsend as he launched the Poppy Appeal and in particular ahead of Scotland playing my national team Fiji next month. We spoke about my time in the army and of course had some good chat about the rugby. In fact, I asked him to please go soft on Fiji!”
Gregor said: “It was a real privilege to meet the veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory upon launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal, and great to meet Rav and share some friendly rivalry ahead of our Nations opener with Fiji.
“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.
“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
Scotland’s capital city is gearing up to host what has become a firm fixture in its calendar.
Supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal and the work of Poppyscotland, Edinburgh Poppy Day will return on Thursday, October 31, live from St Andrew’s Square and other city centre locations throughout the day.
Working in partnership with Poppyscotland to provide the day’s concert and roadshow will be Forces Radio BFBS Scotland.
There will be music from The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in the Square, as well as entertainment from The Bands of HM Royal Marines Scotland, Edinburgh Military Wives Choir, Rosyth Military Wives Choir, Alan Brydon Music, Royal Marine veteran Richard Kerr and George Heriot’s School Pipe Band 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.
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, said: “We can’t wait to get back out onto the streets of our capital to mark the hugely popular Edinburgh Poppy Day.
“It really is a day where people come together and enjoy all that Poppyscotland has to offer in the build up to our national day of remembrance.”
Gordon added: “It’s not too late for more people to volunteer their time. Even if it is just an hour or two, more volunteers mean more vital funds raised for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces community. Just come along to St Andrew Square and we’ll make sure you have a great day.”
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.
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, led a special group of wreath-layers at the annual Opening Ceremony of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance, at the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, yesterday.
Members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, attended the poignant event, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, to remember those who have fallen in conflicts, with more than 40 wreaths laid at a service which was also well attended by members of the public.
Among those that joined Edinburgh’s Lord Provost was Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, who led the service, along with attendees from Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other dignitaries.
Music was provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as piper Rory Cairns, who led the wreath-layers into the garden.
Commenting on the service, Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “Despite a weather warning in place and a few gusts of wind, this was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.
“It was truly lovely to see so many people turn out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.”
The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until the Armistice Day service on Monday, November 11 for residents and visitors to pay their own tributes.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.
Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland, has put out a call for volunteers to step forward and make a difference across Edinburgh.
Every year, Poppyscotland runs the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, which provides the nation with the national symbol of Remembrance, the four-petalled Scottish Poppy.
Hundreds of volunteers step up annually to help organise the Scottish Poppy Appeal in their local area, volunteering their time to help distribute poppies and collecting tins, and arrange collections at supermarkets, shopping centres and other key locations.
This year, volunteers are needed in the capital to help organise the Appeal, with dedicated support from the Poppyscotland team. The charity is seeking members of the community, a community group, school, local business, or anyone who wishes to make a difference to Scotland’s Armed Forces community in the city.
The money raised during the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes directly to Poppyscotland’s Welfare services, supporting veterans, those still Serving and their families at times of need. This could include, for example, providing an emergency grant to stop a veteran losing their home, funding housing adaptations so that a disabled veteran can continue to live with their family, and much more.
Current Poppyscotland volunteer, Eilidh, said: “It has been really interesting getting to meet people who have Served or have had family Serving. They provide the most incredible stories. People just want to talk to you when they see you volunteer with Poppyscotland, so it never gets boring.
“Poppyscotland are amazing and have supported me with every step. Any time I have a slight worry or confusion, they’re there to help me out and they are some of the friendliest people I’ve met. I’ve loved everything about my experience to date.”
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, said: “Every year, we are so grateful for the generous support of the public. But our volunteers are the strength behind the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Their tireless dedication and professionalism means that the national symbol of Remembrance can be found across the nation.
“We have a dedicated team that look after our volunteers. This makes volunteering for Poppyscotland easy and stress free. But we need you to step forward so that we can continue to change lives for the better.”
Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland, has put out a call for volunteers to step forward and make a difference across Edinburgh.
Every year, Poppyscotland runs the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, which provides the nation with the national symbol of Remembrance, the four-petalled Scottish Poppy.
Hundreds of volunteers step up annually to help organise the Scottish Poppy Appeal in their local area, volunteering their time to help distribute poppies and collecting tins, and arrange collections at supermarkets, shopping centres and other key locations.
This year, volunteers are needed in the capital to help organise the Appeal, with dedicated support from the Poppyscotland team. The charity is seeking members of the community, a community group, school, local business, or anyone who wishes to make a difference to Scotland’s Armed Forces community in the city.
The money raised during the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes directly to Poppyscotland’s Welfare services, supporting veterans, those still Serving and their families at times of need. This could include, for example, providing an emergency grant to stop a veteran losing their home, funding housing adaptations so that a disabled veteran can continue to live with their family, and much more.
Current Poppyscotland volunteer, Eilidh, said: “It has been really interesting getting to meet people who have Served or have had family Serving. They provide the most incredible stories. People just want to talk to you when they see you volunteer with Poppyscotland, so it never gets boring.
“Poppyscotland are amazing and have supported me with every step. Any time I have a slight worry or confusion, they’re there to help me out and they are some of the friendliest people I’ve met. I’ve loved everything about my experience to date.”
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, said: “Every year, we are so grateful for the generous support of the public. But our volunteers are the strength behind the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Their tireless dedication and professionalism means that the national symbol of Remembrance can be found across the nation.
“We have a dedicated team that look after our volunteers. This makes volunteering for Poppyscotland easy and stress free. But we need you to step forward so that we can continue to change lives for the better.”
To find out more about volunteering for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, contact Poppyscotland’s Volunteering team on 0131 550 1597, email:
A P7 pupil from Trinity Primary School has won a national award from leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.
Every year, Poppyscotland runs a competition for schools across Scotland, encouraging learners to explore a different theme. The challenge for this academic year was ‘The Path of the Poppy’, to design a leaflet or poster telling the unique story of the history of the Scottish poppy, from the establishment of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in 1926 to the development of the new plastic-free poppy.
Trinity’s winner in the Primary School category was Katla Longworth, whose colourful poster design was chosen from more than 140 entries to the competition, winning her school £250 in Amazon vouchers. The competition was judged by representatives from charities Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Fares for Free.
Connor McKay, Katla’s class teacher, said: “All the children in Primary 7 were fascinated by the history of the poppy and loved having the opportunity to be creative by producing a visual representation of its path through time.
“Katla was very proud of her finished poster, blending an eye-catching design with informative facts about the poppy’s development over the years and she’s thrilled to have won this competition.”
The winning poster and leaflet designs have now been printed and are available at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where the new plastic-free Scottish poppy is produced, and where disabled veterans make tens of thousands of Remembrance symbols every year.
For full details of the competition winners and more information about Poppyscotland’s resources for schools, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning
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.
