Poppyscotland – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Armistice Day: Lest We Forget

Crowds gather to pay their respects during two-minute silence to mark Armistice Day

People gathered as a single gunshot fired from Edinburgh Castle today to mark a two-minute silence at the 11^th hour on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, to remember those who have fallen in conflicts throughout the years.

The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, marked the end of the First World War and each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in battle.

At a service in the Garden of Remembrance on Princes Street, the Last Post was performed by Buglers Tommy Graham and Danny Mullan, followed by a Lament performed by Piper Spencer Crilly from George Heriot’s School, before the country fell silent for two minutes.

National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, The Rev Dr Karen Campbell BD(Hons) MTh DMin, led a short service and wreaths were laid by Robert Aldridge, The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, CEO Royal British Legion Scotland, Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, Shaun Calvin, Veterans Scotland, Graham Walter, Edinburgh, Lothian & Borders Area President, The Royal British Legion Scotland and Reverend Dr Karen Campbell.

Commemorations took place across the country, including at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle, at Glasgow’s Central Station, Galashiels, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Dumfries and other locations. 

Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “As a nation and an organisation, we stand unwavering in our promise to never forget the profound sacrifices made for our sake.

“Every single day, our Armed Forces community steps forward to protect our values and preserve our freedoms. We owe them a debt of gratitude that time will never diminish, and we thank them for their enduring dedication and service.”

Landmarks to Light Up for Scottish Poppy Appeal

Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland is calling on businesses, landmarks and venues across the country to ‘Light Up Red’ to raise awareness for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

From castles and council buildings to schools and statues, the charity is urging Scotland’s most iconic structures to show their support in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday on 8^th November.

Last year, almost 200 locations took part across the country including The Kelpies, The City Chambers in Edinburgh, Hamilton Town Hall, Ness Bridge, Rosslyn Chapel and the University of Glasgow. The charity hopes to surpass this total in 2026.

Any building with external lighting can participate simply by adding red gel filters to its lights, joining a striking visual display of remembrance.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million annually for the charity’s vital welfare work with veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Each year our Light Up Red campaign raises awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal up and down the country, and we know from our Armed Forces community that it means a lot to them to see such a visible show of support and togetherness.

“In 2025, we had had great success across the length and breadth of Scotland, and we hope to build on that again this year. That’s where your community, your business or your organisation can join in.”

For more information about how to get involved, visit:

www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red

Scotland’s Festival of Remembrance

SATURDAY 7th NOVEMBER 7.30pm at THE USHER HALL at 7.30pm

Scotland is officially counting down to its first-ever national ‘Festival of Remembrance’.

This weekend, Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall will transform into a stage of powerful tribute, honouring all those who have lost their lives through Service with a poignant, moving concert.

Organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland in association with Poppyscotland, and proudly supported by the Scottish Government, this historic event takes place on Saturday, 7^th November just one day before Remembrance Sunday.

Guiding the audience through the night is popular broadcaster Mark McKenzie from the British Forces Broadcasting Service. The line-up promises to be unforgettable, blending traditional military grandeur with fresh, contemporary Scottish talent and includes stirring performances from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and vocal coach Amy Hawthorn will perform followed by indie-rock headliner, Scottish Young Artist of the Year Ben Walker bringing his unique energy to the Usher Hall stage.

Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, promised a night that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain. She said: “This will be a deeply poignant evening, dedicated to honouring and telling the incredible stories of our service personnel through the powerful mediums of music, film, and song.

“It is an opportunity for us to come together in reflection, celebrating their resilience and sacrifice, before culminating in the solemn tradition of The Act of Remembrance.

“We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an unforgettable night of shared gratitude and community.”

Tickets are priced from £24.20 and include a 10% per ticket booking fee. Under-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

To purchase tickets, please visit https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/scotlands-festival-of-remembrance-

New Poppyscotland bus launched on Edinburgh Poppy Day

A brand new Poppyscotland bus was unveiled yesterday (Thursday 29 October) on Edinburgh Poppy Day, marking the launch of the charity’s annual campaign.

Designed in partnership with Poppyscotland, the Lothian Buses’ double deck bus features a striking poppy-themed design and will help to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work supporting veterans and their families.

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “As one of the largest employers in the region, we’re incredibly proud to have many former servicemen and women among our colleagues at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. That gives our longstanding support for Poppyscotland and the Scottish Poppy Appeal a very special significance for us.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Poppyscotland and play our part in raising awareness of the invaluable support it provides to veterans and their families.

“Our buses are seen across Edinburgh and the Lothians every day, so they provide a fantastic platform to share this important message.

“We hope the new design will encourage people to pause, reflect and show their support for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “With the unveiling of this year’s wonderful Lothian Buses poppy bus, we are reminded that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline, reaching deep into our local communities.

“We are incredibly grateful to Lothian Buses for their steadfast, continued support in bringing this message to the streets of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Partnerships like this 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 veteran and service community here in Scotland.”

Veterans and active servicemen and women of the armed forces will also be invited to travel for free on board Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (11 November) this year.

Both operators employ many former service personnel, and this year they are welcoming those in uniform or with an appropriate form of identification to travel for free across the network on these two days of national remembrance.

Two minutes’ silence will also be observed on both days by the operators, with bus and tram services pausing where safe to do so as a mark of remembrance.

Poppyscotland launches 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal

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, 20^th 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.

Photo Caption:- Left Reverend Peter Meager and 11 year old Ava Mitchell celebrate Poppy Launch 2026 at New Haig House.

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 Meager, 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.”

Photo caption:- Ava Michell and Mum Jenni in the Lady Haig Poppy Factory. Aya is a huge poopyscotland volunteer raising hundreds of pounds in her last 5 years.

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.

Scotland to host ‘first of it’s kind’ Festival of Remembrance

Scotland is set to host its first ever ‘Festival of Remembrance’ this November, with a poignant concert to commemorate all those who have lost their lives through Service.

Organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland, in association with Poppyscotland, the Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Saturday, 7^th November – a day prior to Remembrance Sunday.

The event will be hosted by broadcaster Mark McKenzie from British Forces Broadcasting Service and will include special performances from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.

Singer/songwriter, vocal coach and Royal British Legion Scotland ‘sweetheart’, Amy Hawthorn will also take to the stage performing a moving wartime medley before Scottish Young Artist of the Year, Ben Walker, entertains the audience.

Indie-rock singer Ben, of Montrose, is delighted to be performing in Edinburgh during Remembrance weekend. He said: “To be asked to perform at the Usher Hall for such a special Remembrance event is a huge honour.

“It means a lot to be part of an event that brings people together to remember, reflect, and pay respect. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland said: “Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland are thrilled to host this national event, supported by the Scottish Government, at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

“This will be a poignant evening telling the story of service personnel through the mediums of music, film and song, culminating in The Act of Remembrance.

“We look forward to welcoming you on the night.”

Tickets are priced from £24.20 and include a 10% per ticket booking fee.

Under-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

To purchase tickets, please visit https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/scotlands-festival-of-remembrance-

Poppyscotland bids a fond farewell to mobile museum ‘Bud’

The nation’s leading Armed Forces charity has announced that its ground-breaking interactive mobile museum, ‘Bud’, has officially retired from the road.

The 18-tonne custom-built truck, which features an onboard poppy making machine, has travelled to all 32 local authority areas across Scotland sharing the story of the Scottish Poppy since its launch back in 2019.

With initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and LIBOR funds, over the last seven years Bud successfully welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. It has attended more than 630 schools, delivered over 1,500 sessions, and reached more than 56,000 pupils.

It has also travelled to over 115 community events with almost 18,000 visitors – engaging nearly 75,000 people overall, challenging assumptions, whilst also teaching people about conflict, peace, and importantly keeping remembrance relevant all year round.

Kerry Crichton, Deputy Head of Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “As Bud reaches the end of its operational lifespan, across the summer we will be finalising an exciting new learning and outreach programme with people who work within education across Scotland.

“This will include an extensive digital archive paired with virtual learning resources and we are excited to be taking this into classrooms in the new term. We are also looking at an assembly offering for schools, and outreach sessions with youth and community groups.”

While the mobile unit will stop touring, the educational resources, historic story of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, and interactive tools remain free and accessible online via the Poppyscotland Learning Hub at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning

For more information about our new programme, please email:

learning@poppyscotland.org.uk

Poppyscotland to be out in force this Armed Forces Day

Leading national charity Poppyscotland will be a noticeable presence at various events across the country this Armed Forces Day.

Taking place on Saturday, 27^th June the day celebrates the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, which began on Monday 22^nd June.

Poppyscotland provide lifelong support, expert guidance and ongoing care for current and former members of the Armed Forces as well as their families when its needed most.

Last year alone, the charity responded to almost 800 individuals and families with advice and practical help on a number of issues including financial support, interventions and advice for people and families living with dementia, practical assistance and advice dealing with mobility issues, housing, mental health support, employment issues and much more.

This Armed Forces Week, the charity is reminding the public why their work matters and how they support the Armed Forces community all year round.

One such beneficiary, is serving soldier Timoci Waqanibau and his wife Titilia who contacted Poppyscotland for help, to reunite them with their children after nearly two years apart.

After Timoci joined the British Army in 2019, the family made the heartbreaking decision to leave their nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter in Fiji while they built a new life in Scotland, staying connected only through daily video calls and the promise of one day being together again.

When Titilia reached out to Poppyscotland for help, everything changed. Within weeks, the charity arranged everything: visas, flights, and full travel support to bring their children home to Scotland, and to finally meet their baby sister. The reunion in October was everything they’d hoped for.

“The children were so excited, screaming. We all cried,” Timoci said. “All we wanted was our babies all together, and thanks to Poppyscotland that dream has finally come true.”

Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Families like Timoci’s are at the heart of everything we do. No family should have to face challenges like these alone and with Poppyscotland’s support, they don’t have to.”

For more information on Poppyscotland and how they can help, please visit:

www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Volunteers needed in Edinburgh city centre this Armed Forces Day

Can you help?

Leading charity Poppyscotland is calling for volunteers to help man collection stations during Armed Forces Week in Edinburgh later this month.

Volunteers are being sought at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations in the city centre on Saturday, 27^th June and Sunday 28^th June, as well as at the Armed Forces Day parade at St Andrew Square on Saturday, 27^th June.

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 22^nd June, when the public show their appreciation for the Armed Forces community.

Poppyscotland requires volunteer collectors during Armed Forces Week to allow the charity to continue the valuable work they do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces.

There are roles that suit a range of interests and experiences, and no matter how much time you can spare, you will make a difference.

Volunteers will be ably looked after, supported and trained by dedicated Poppyscotland staff. But, most importantly, the chance to make a real difference is there for the taking.

Sean Walsh has been volunteering with Poppyscotland for six years. The 20 year old said: “I volunteer at various events throughout the year, including at Armed Forces Day. Sometimes I can manage full days and other times I sign up for a couple of hours at a time due to my busy shift patterns at work.

“I know that even a few hours can make a real difference.

“I really enjoy my volunteering with Poppyscotland, you definitely feel part of something bigger!

“It’s a very straightforward process too – I sign up online, where I get all the information I need.”

If you would be interested in volunteering at any point over the weekend of Saturday, 27^th June or Sunday, 28^th June, then please sign up now at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/armed-forces-day.

For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk

Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland to hit the road in aid of Poppyscotland

Join the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland for a special concert featuring a range of contemporary and classical music, in aid of Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity.

Taking place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Reconnect Theatre, Livingston, this spectacular performance is being held in aid of Poppyscotland.

All funds raised on the night will help provide life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across the country. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager Scotland, said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland as we continue to grow the Poppyscotland concert series.

“Their performances are always something special and we look forward to seeing them take to the stage in Livingston, a town that gives tremendous support to the Armed Forces community.

“We hope to see as many people as possible come along on the night and enjoy what the Band has to offer.”

All money raised for Poppyscotland goes toward helping men, women and families facing issues linked to their service or challenges adjusting from military to civilian life, including support with housing, debt, mental health and mobility. For example, £15 can provide food for a day for a homeless veteran in urgent need.

Tickets are priced at £18, concessions £15. To purchase tickets, please visit www.reconnecttheatres.com/event/poppyscotland.

For more information about Poppyscotland, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.