As Poppyscotland marks the 100th anniversary of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory on International Women’s Day, the Armed Forces charity is championing its female staff, volunteers and ambassadors.
Lanarkshire teen Chloe McIntosh is among those being publicly thanked by the charity for helping to raise awareness of the vital work they do in supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Chloe, from Strathaven, became involved with Poppyscotland when her dad Andy was supported after suffering catastrophic and life-changing injuries in the Omagh bombing tragedy. Soldier Andy was one of hundreds who were injured when a car bomb exploded in August 1998, killing 29 people.
The events of that day led to years of serious physical and mental health challenges for Andy but, thanks to unwavering support from Poppyscotland, he was able to turn his life around and credits the charity for helping him to do so.
This help made a huge impact on Chloe and ever since, the 17-year-old has used her voice to spread the word about the charity and its vital work, funded by the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal. She also highlights the work done at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory at Poppyscotland, who only employ veterans with supported needs.
In her role as charity ambassador, the inspiring teen has addressed audiences of politicians, dignitaries and members of the public at various charity events, including at the Scottish Parliament.
Chloe, who is currently a pupil at Calderside Academy in Blantyre, and hopes to study veterinary nursing, said: “Poppyscotland means the world to me. I think it’s important to educate as many people as possible about how the charity provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community by providing tailored funding and advice in services such as employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.
“It is a privilege to work with the charity, and I urge anyone who may be struggling to reach out and get the help they require.”
Major Charles Pelling (Retd), Manager at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “We are delighted to celebrate 100 years of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which was opened on International Women’s Day in 1926, and also to take this opportunity to celebrate our female staff, volunteers and ambassadors like Chloe.
“She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the important work of Poppyscotland and Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, and give back to those who helped her father Andy. It is only right that she is celebrated today and indeed all year, as we look to commemorate 100 years of the factory and the people who have helped to shape it along the way.”
To find out more about the work of Poppyscotland, please visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today marks its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of life-changing support for Scotland’s veterans.
Founded in the aftermath of the First World War, when Scotland faced the return of more than 100,000 wounded military personnel, Lady Dorothy Haig established the factory to provide meaningful and dignified work for men disabled as a result of their service.
Many of these veterans had skills and experience, but their injuries meant they faced significant barriers to re-entering the workforce. The factory offered paid work in a structured, supportive environment, combining income with routine, purpose and community.
Comissioned Image take by Eamonn McGoldrick Tel: 07810 482491
Its opening on 8 March 1926 — International Women’s Day — which was not yet widely marked in Britain, has now become even more relevant given that the trailblazing Lady Haig was leading a national initiative at a time when few women held prominent public roles in civic life.
From its beginnings at Whitefoord House in Edinburgh with “three workers, a pair of scissors and a piece of paper”, the factory expanded quickly, producing the distinctive four-leafed Scottish poppy assembled by hand, as well as a range of toys and crafted household items. By the 1930s, the factory was a recognised part of Scotland’s civic landscape, becoming both a workplace and a symbol of national remembrance.
Today, a team of more than 30 veterans, all with supported needs, continue to manufacture thousands of handmade wreaths and other remembrance symbols from purpose-built premises on the capital’s Warriston Road. The factory also produces over 2.1 million poppies for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, organised annually by Poppyscotland in October and November.
Funds raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal support Poppyscotland’s vital work, providing advice and assistance for veterans, those still serving, and their families.
Over the years, the factory has been visited by thousands, from school groups, individuals and organisations to learn about its history and heritage, the development of the Scottish poppy, and the continuing importance of remembrance. It has also welcomed royal patrons, including HRH The Princess Royal, who officially re-opened the factory following a refurbishment in January 2023.
Helen Owen, Chair of Poppyscotland, said: “Lady Haig was practical and compassionate and realised the difficulty many veterans faced in gaining employment because of disability after war.
“A dynamo of a woman, she recognised the need not only to create Scottish poppies for Armistice Day, but to provide meaningful work all year round. The factory turned out goods of exceptional quality, and she and her band of ‘lady collectors’ sold the poppies and goods across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Today, the work of this remarkable woman lives on, and the Factory proudly continues to play its role in supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland.”
To learn more about the factory’s history, or to book a tour of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, please visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory – NICOLA PETRIE case study
Having come from an Armed Forces family, it felt natural for Nicola Petrie to move into military life, joining the Royal Navy in 1986 at the age of 20.
Nicola, who suffers from MS and now works as a wreath maker at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, began her service as an onshore radio operator at Faslane, tasked with delivering the communication between ships and the naval base, as well as making sure the submariners received their weekly ‘family-grams’.
It was an important role and one Nicola enjoyed for seven years, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride whenever she pulled on her Navy uniform. However, she left her post in 1992 to start a family with her husband John, who she met while serving.
Nicola explained: “I loved my time in the Royal Navy and always looked forward to going to work. The other girls in the department were great and I loved hearing their stories – we had a real bond so I was sad when, after seven years, it was time for me to leave.
“But John and I had made the choice to start a family and that he would remain in the Navy. Back then, if a woman was pregnant she had to leave post. It was disappointing having to give up the job I loved as I really could have made a proper career of it, but it was exciting too knowing that we were going to have children.”
After Nicola left the Royal Navy, she and John went on to have three children – two boys and a girl – and with John away on an eight-month deployment, Nicola juggled home life, looking after their young children and working in a local home improvement firm, later setting up her own company.
Nicola said: “John was in the Navy for 24 years in total but when he left he became a stay-at-home dad and let me put my heart and soul into the business to build a career for myself.
“When I retired from that we both felt that strong pull back to some sort of military life and that’s where Poppyscotland came in. The factory only employs veterans with supported needs, meaning the role was ideally suited to me as a person living with MS. I joined in April of 2025, a year after John, and we absolutely love it.
“We work with like-minded people who have come from all sorts of Armed Forces backgrounds, and everyone has a story or two to tell. It really connects you back to military life, which is all we’ve ever really known.”
When she’s not helping to make the thousands of poppy wreaths produced at the factory every year, Nicola, who lives in Falkirk, enjoys spending time with her two young grandchildren and beloved dog Molly.
Nicola added: “Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory really means something to me. The memorabilia, the tales, the people and visitors who pass by during tours – it’s just a special place and I’m very grateful to be here and be a part of the 100-year anniversary.”
A leading national charity is calling on politicians from all parties to take urgent action in providing better support to those in the Armed Forces community.
Poppyscotland has today (Tuesday, February 10th) launched the charity’s second manifesto ahead of May’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.
The manifesto identifies five key areas for improving the support available for serving and ex-serving military personnel in Scotland. These include the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant, Education, Childcare, Health and Housing.
The first key area Poppyscotland is calling for action on is keeping the Armed Forces Covenant Promise. This sets out the obligation that the Armed Forces community must not face disadvantage because of their service and that those who have given the most, including the injured and bereaved, receive special consideration.
Poppyscotland is also calling on the Scottish Government to implement a clear, accessible programme to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, backed by appropriate resources, practical guidance, and robust evaluation.
Another key area is support for Armed Forces families. Poppyscotland is calling on the Scottish Government to ring-fence funding for service children with additional support needs, to help address the specific challenges of Armed Forces life.
The manifesto also calls for the Scottish Government to actively promote participation in the GP Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme, which aims to improve identification and support for veterans within primary care.
Poppyscotland chair, Helen Owen, explained: “The 2026 election is an important opportunity for the new Scottish Parliament to prioritise the needs of the Armed Forces community.
“This manifesto provides clarity and focus around the issues we believe to be of greatest importance, as well as setting out in detail how we feel these recommendations can be taken forward by the next Scottish Government. It has been informed by evidence and experience and it is our hope that by working with all parties, we can ensure that the unique contribution of the whole Armed Forces community is given the recognition it deserves.”
Other recommendations focus on improving the quality of mental health support available to veterans; ensuring the needs of the Armed Forces community’s childcare requirements are met at a local level; and that the Scottish Government must build on its commitment to tackling and preventing homelessness for those who have previously served in the Armed Forces.
Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal and the charity’s year-round fundraising enables Poppyscotland to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored support and funding.
Poppyscotland also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility.
Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors – including veterans, young cadets and members of the public – from Glasgow to Galashiels, Edinburgh to East Kilbride and beyond, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
Today, at 11am, the nation will pause for two minutes of silent reflection on Remembrance Sunday, knowing that Poppy Saturday has once again been a great success, with strong support and generous donations.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, was delighted with the response to this year’s appeal, and said: “The support we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has once again been outstanding.
“Every donation makes a difference and helps provide vital, often life-changing support for current or former members of the Armed Forces and their families whether that is overcoming challenges related to financial difficulties, employment, housing, mental health, or any other number of areas.
“Quite literally, when a veteran’s life starts to unravel, Poppyscotland helps them piece it back together.
“So, on behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously, or gave up their time to volunteer, allowing us to continue to offer help every step of the way.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country during October and in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.
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 pay tribute as part of The Royal British Legion’s March Past the Cenotaph
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.
Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented. People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War. Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.
This follows commemorations earlier in the year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which paid tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney MSP will join Robert Aldridge, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, along with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and veterans and serving personnel, to remember the fallen in a short service of remembrance this morning.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today.
“Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace, and our duty is to protect it.
“Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This year, as we marked eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we have been reminded of the immense courage and sacrifices made by all those who have served our country.
“On this Remembrance Sunday, we come together again to reflect and honour the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, past and present, and to ensure that their service is never forgotten.
“Today, we remember them, in grief and in gratitude, mindful that their legacy lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “On Remembrance Sunday we come together to honour those who fought and died so we could live in freedom.
“We pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country, and we recognise the dedication of those who serve in our Armed Forces today to safeguard the peace we all inherited.
“As a nation, we pay our respects and thank our entire Armed Forces community. We will never take their service for granted.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB said: “Remembrance Sunday stands as both an important moment of national reflection and an opportunity for personal acts of remembrance.
“It is a time to honour all those who laid down their lives so that we might live in freedom as well as recognising those serving today, who continue to protect us.
“From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our Armed Forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “In a year that marks 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan, we reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, aware that this is one of the nation’s last opportunities to recognise, thank and honour the small number of veterans still with us today.
“As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we not only pay tribute to them but to all those who have bravely defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
“From risking their lives in warzones to spending time away from their families, and providing vital support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, the dedication of our Armed Forces community is extraordinary. We encourage the nation to pause, reflect and remember their service and sacrifice.”
101-year-old Donald Poole, a veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who will be marching with the Burma Star Memorial Fund said: “It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts, and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.
“I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the Fire Service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz – many of whom lost their own.”
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, supporting with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country.
In all, close to 9,000 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.
On BBC television, coverage will be live on BBC One and iPlayer from 10:15.
Poppy seller Denis Scaife, a well-known face on the East Coast Main Line, has completed his biggest fundraising challenge to date as he celebrates ten years of the ‘Poppy Express’ with the open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains.
74-year-old Denis, alongside his wife Barbara, took on a poppy selling marathon which saw them fundraising onboard Hull Trains and Lumo services from Retford to London King’s Cross, followed by Newcastle and Edinburgh and then all the way back again in the space of just two days.
Lumo and Hull Trains organised a special treat for Denis and his wife upon their arrival in Scotland, with an exclusive invitation for them to attend a Scottish Poppy Appeal reception at Holyrood. There they heard about Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces, as well as meeting fellow fundraisers.
Denis started the ‘Poppy Express’ ten years ago with just him and his wife. It has now grown into an institution with 15 volunteers travelling along the East Coast Main Line to raise money every year. 2024’s efforts raised more than £15,000, with hopes 2025 will exceed that amount as £11,000 has already been achieved.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said:“It was lovely to welcome Denis and Barbara firstly at Edinburgh Waverley Station as the arrived off their train and later at our Edinburgh reception event and to get the chance to thank them both personally for their volunteer fundraising over the years.
“They have gone above and beyond for the Armed Forces community, covering thousands of miles and raising thousands of pounds. Already they look to be on course to smash their target this year, which is absolutely amazing.
“On behalf of Poppyscotland, a huge thank you again to Denis and Barbara.”
Denis is a former Non-Commissioned Officer (sapper) with the Corps of Royal Engineers and his passion for the cause is clear. Reflecting on the challenge, he said:“Hull Trains have stood by me and the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal right from the start and it’s always a privilege to sell poppies to the friendly and generous customers onboard.
“Our poppy marathon, this time teaming up with Lumo as well, has been a really special way to mark ten years of fundraising.
“Having the chance to attend the Scottish Poppy Appeal reception was a unique opportunity and a special moment for myself and Barbara.
“I’d like to thank both Lumo and Hull Trains for their amazing support and here’s to many more years to come!”
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “As open access operators, we’re proud to be deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
“Denis’s dedication to the Poppy Appeal embodies the very best of community spirit and we are honoured to support him in such a meaningful cause.
“I’d like to wish Denis a huge congratulations for completing ten years of fundraising and, in particular, this impressive challenge!”
At 531 miles from Retford to Edinburgh via London King’s Cross, Denis’s total journey covers more than 1,000 miles and was fuelled by unlimited refreshments and snacks onboard the Lumo and Hull Trains services operating as the Poppy Express. It also coincides with London Poppy Day 2025 on the 30th October.
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.
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 (Monday, 20th October, 2025).
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 Eddie Molyneux, who led the wreath-layers into the garden.
Commenting on the service, Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “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.
“The lovely weather certainly helped to draw out the crowds with so many people turning 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 Tuesday, November 11 for visitors to pay their own tributes.
The opening event coincided with the launch of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal on the same day, whereby Scottish Rugby legend Chris Paterson attended Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh for a tour of the premises and to encourage people to donate and wear their poppy with pride this remembrance period.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than two 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.
Rugby legend and ambassador Chris Paterson has officially launched the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The former Scotland player visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh for a tour of the historic premises and to find out about Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces community.
Now a specialist coach and TV commentator, Chris remains Scotland’s international rugby points record holder (809) and gained 109 caps for his country. He is a long-term supporter of Poppyscotland, wearing his poppy with pride during Remembrance.
He also hosts Scottish Rugby’s annual Remembrance memorial at Murrayfield and was honoured to be asked to help launch the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Chris said: “Life in the Armed Forces comes with unique challenges during and after service, and Poppyscotland is there every step of the way – helping our Armed Forces community and their families whenever and wherever they need support.
“Your donation helps make a life-changing difference, whether the issue is housing, health, finances, or making the transition to civilian life. Your poppy shows you care – that’s why I’m wearing my poppy from now right throughout Remembrance, and I’m asking you to please do the same.”
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “A huge thank you to Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson for supporting this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“By making a donation and wearing a poppy, you help deliver real, lasting support to veterans, those still serving, and their families.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than two million poppies already being distributed around the country.
All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue to provide life-changing support and advice. People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
Chart topping singer-songwriter Cammy Barnes performed hits Tiree Sun and Caledonia as 2.1 million poppies began their journey to the four corners of the country this week.
The occasion marks Poppyscotland’s ‘National Uplift’ ahead of the charity’s 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, the country’s largest fundraising campaign which takes place annually in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday in November.
Cammy, who is currently riding high in the Top 40 with Whiskey Roll, which he also performed to staff at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory has previously shown his support for the charity. In May, he took to the stage as part of a special VE Day commemoration concert at the Usher Hall, when, together with Royal British Legion Scotland, the nation celebrated 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Hailing from Fife, Cammy has enjoyed huge success with multiple singles charting in the UK Top 20 and number 1 entries on the Singer-Songwriter & Country/Alt iTunes Charts, and he was delighted to be asked to be a part of this key milestone in the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, encouraging the supporters to go the extra mile this year in their fundraising efforts.
He said: “It was a pleasure to be at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today to witness the 2.1 million iconic four-petalled Scottish poppies being loaded on to the lorry and begin their journey.
“It’s a momentous occasion for Poppyscotland that marks the start of what, I have no doubt, will be another hugely successful appeal.
“The poppy is our national symbol of Remembrance, and I urge people across Scotland to donate to the charity and wear their poppy with pride and show the Armed Forces community that their service is appreciated.”
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager for Scotland said: “The national uplift marks the culmination of a year of hard work by our veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and means our biggest fundraiser is just around the corner.
“Every single penny raised helps us to continue our vital work supporting the Armed Forces community by providing mental health support, financial support, and the other essential welfare services that make a life-changing difference to those who have given so much for all of us.”
The Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, which employs a team of 36 Armed Forces veterans with a range of disabilities, was set up by Lady Haig – wife of Field Marshall Earl Haig – in 1926.
Today, the team of disabled and vulnerable ex-service men and women manufacture tens of thousands of wreaths, Remembrance symbols and long-stem poppies each year.
Between them our staff have seen service in every military campaign since the early 1970’s.
