Capital to come alive for Edinburgh City Poppy Day 2024


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. 

Lord Provost opens Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance

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.

Do you want to help change lives? Poppyscotland charity seeks Edinburgh volunteers

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 volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk or visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer

Edinburgh volunteers needed for Scottish Poppy Appeal

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:

volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk 

or visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer

Edinburgh pupil wins top prize in national competition

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

Fringe: Veterans comedy show takes to the stage at Poppy Factory

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.

Tickets are available from www.poppyscotland.org.uk/recovery-through-comedy.

Edinburgh pupil’s wartime diary entry wins national competition

Scottish pupils have impressed judges with their touching diary entries depicting the outbreak of war. 

Liam McNamee, from Castleview Primary School in Edinburgh, and Maya Al-Najim, from The High School of Glasgow, have been announced as the winners of Poppyscotland’s My Secret War Diary competition. 

Launching as part of the charity’s annual learning pack, the competition asked learners to write a diary entry depicting how the outbreak of war would impact their lives. With an open-ended brief, pupils were invited to draw on conflicts from past, present or future.  

Liam, a P7 pupil, won the primary school category with his “unique perspective”, choosing to write from the point of a father struggling to process what the change would mean to his family. Maya, who is in S3, took the secondary prize with her “emotive and gripping” diary entry set in Belgium in 1914.  

This year’s competition saw over 140 entries from schools all across Scotland. Eight judges from Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Officers’ Association Scotland came together to shortlist the entries down to 16 per category. After much deliberation from the judges these were further narrowed down to just six final entries per category.  

The six finalists were made public on the Poppyscotland website for the public to choose their winners. With a phenomenal total of more than 1,400 votes cast across the ten days, the public chose Liam and Maya as their winners. 

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, presented Liam with his award in front of his peers, saying: “It was a great pleasure to visit Castleview and present this year’s primary school winner with his certificate and the £500 vouchers for the school to use.  

“Every year our team of judges are hard pressed to short list for the public voting. The creative thought and effort that all entrants put in is something that their schools are rightly proud off. 

“However, Liam’s diary entry stood out and painted a picture through his words of what was happening in those early days of the Second World War. It made it very easy for me to think I was transported back to that time.” 

Katie White, Liam’s class teacher, said: “Poppyscotland’s learning competition this year fitted seamlessly into our curriculum. It boosted my pupils’ awareness of Poppyscotland’s work and allowed them to further contextualise their learning about the Second World War. Having a competition to enter sparked enthusiasm amongst my learners and provided us with a whole term’s worth of writing work.  

“I am incredibly proud of Liam’s win, as is he. Not only is it a huge personal achievement for him, but it is a wonderful way for him to finish his time at Castleview Primary School.” 

Thomas Connor, a P7 pupil from Gargieston Primary School and Eva-Grace Young, an S3 pupil from St Joseph’s Academy, both in Kilmarnock, have also been recognised with the Judge’s Choice award for their thoughtful and emotive entries. 

Both Liam and Maya will receive £500 worth of vouchers for their school, a visit from Bud, Poppyscotland’s micro museum, and a class trip to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Each of the Judge’s Choice award recipients will receive £50 of vouchers for their school and a tour of the factory. 

Cyclists urged to get on their bikes to support Armed Forces Community

Cyclists of all abilities are being encouraged to get on their bikes to take part in Poppyscotland’s annual Sportive in September.

Back for its 8th year, the event takes place on Sunday 24th September and is expected to attract more than 800 cyclists to three scenic routes through East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tandems and e-bikes are welcome.

The event is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal, and has already raised more than £300,000 to provide vital support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.

This year’s event was launched by cyclists from VIE Velo, a tandem club for visually impaired people and sighed pilots, with Poppyscotland supporter Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark, who took part in the 2022 event and is dusting his bike off again for this year.

Allan Balfour, a visually impaired cyclist from VIE Velo who also took part last year, said: “I was delighted to participate in the Poppyscotland Sportive in 2022 and was overwhelmed by the supremely efficient manner in which the event was conducted.

“The Sportive was a great challenge for me – it was the longest ride I have undertaken, and I’m looking forward to returning this year. Most of all though, it was great to be able to support such a deserving cause.”

Lt Col Clark said: “The Sportive is a great cycling event – three routes catering for all abilities, through beautiful landscape, for a great cause. 

“Whether you’re a serious road racer looking for a challenge or fancy a more gentle, ‘social’ pace, the Poppyscotland Sportive has something for you.  The atmosphere is really friendly, it’s brilliantly organised, and worth remembering that that the funds are being raised for one of Scotland’s most effective and well-respected service charities, supporting those who have stepped up and served the nation, and now need our help. So give it a go – you really won’t regret it!”

Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, the three routes range from 45 to 102 miles, taking in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then looping round the East Lothian countryside.

More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders before heading on ward to Midlothian.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “The Sportive is always a hugely popular event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible. We’re really pleased to be welcoming back e-bikes and tandems, following their successful introduction in 2022.

“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.

“I’m very grateful to all the cyclists who have helped to raise more than £300,000 to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”

The Sportive is an ‘open road’ cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed, to minimise disruption to the public.

For more information or to register, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Dawn Service of Remembrance as Edinburgh marks ANZAC Day at Comely Bank Cemetery

At dawn on April 25th, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), together with British, French, and Russian forces landed on the Dardanelles Peninsula (now part of Turkey) at the start of the Gallipoli campaign.

This ended in a stalemate, with troops withdrawing in January 1916. More than 100,000 soldiers were killed.

At dawn on April 25th, 2023, Veterans and their families will gather at Comely Bank Cemetery, Edinburgh where 16 ANZAC Soldiers are laid to rest and take part in an international remembrance service to mark the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War.

Traditionally ANZAC Day services commence at dawn, coinciding with the moment ANZAC forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in April 1915.

Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will join members of the Australian and New Zealand community for the service and wreath-laying ceremony at Comely Bank Cemetery at 5.00am. Led by Rev Dr Karen Campbell, it will feature Scots Guards Association piper Cameron Cochrane and bugler Iona McFarlane.

Later that morning, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Government representatives from Scotland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Turkey will take part in Legion Scotland’s annual ANZAC and Gallipoli Day Service at the Scottish National War Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle at 11am.

ANZAC Day marks the service and sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Armed Forces, as well as those from Scotland and the rest of the world who served alongside them. It is the National Day of Remembrance in the two countries.

Both services are open to the public, with a limited number of tickets for the memorial available from 9:30-10:15am in front of the Castle on the Esplanade.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This is an opportunity to come together to remember the service and sacrifices of ANZAC servicemen and women through the years, as well as our own soldiers who fell during the Gallipoli campaign.

“It is a chance to reflect on the extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces community, both past and present, as well as the enduring friendship between our countries.”

Edinburgh’s hidden secrets revealed in Poppyscotland event

Falklands and Gulf War veteran Graham Walker and his family are setting off on a new mission – to discover the hidden secrets of Edinburgh.

Graham, a Royal Navy veteran and retired college lecturer from Fife, and his wife, Marion, are taking up Poppyscotland’s challenge to complete the 10km Poppy Quest, while solving clues along the way.

Entries are now open for the Poppy Quest Edinburgh, a family-friendly fundraising challenge for all ages on Saturday 3rd June. A similar event will take place in Glasgow on Saturday 10th June.

The charity is encouraging groups and individuals to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

Participants will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city, with the chance to win prizes for raising funds. There will also be a special competition for youth group teams, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

Starting and finishing from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Canonmills, they will also be invited to take a tour of the newly refurbished factory. The route will take in Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, the Water of Leith, and many famous and lesser-known landmarks. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Graham said: “Poppy Quest is a great day out and we’re really looking forward to doing it again. We thought we knew Edinburgh quite well, but this is a nice way to see the city and learn some more along the way.

“It’s important that veterans know that support is out there if they need it and Poppyscotland is always there for them.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest is a fantastic way to explore Edinburgh and discover the city’s hidden gems We’re encouraging families, groups, and individuals to challenge themselves, and stretch their minds and legs along the way!

“You don’t need to pass a military fitness test to take part – it’s suitable for all ages and abilities, with four-legged friends welcome as well. Starting from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even have a picnic en-route.

“All funds will go to support our life-changing work with our Armed Forces community. We are seeing unprecedented demand for support now, as men, women, and families throughout Scotland struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.

“So why not put on your walking shoes, and join us for a unique day out for a great cause?”

Registration costs are £14 for adults, £6 for 10-17 year olds, while children aged 9 and under are free. All participants will receive a map, quiz and Poppy Quest pin badge, with medals and t-shirts for raising funds. Full support will be given prior to the walk, including a fundraising pack and preparation ideas.

Find out more and register here: www.poppyscotland.org.uk/poppy-quest