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.
Poppyscotland is gearing up to celebrate 10 years of their hugely popular Sportive event.
The Armed Forces Charity first saddled up for the cycling event in 2014, taking a hiatus due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, with the flagship fundraising cycle so far raising over £270,000 over the years.
These funds have kindly been donated thanks to the 5650 cyclists who have taken part over the years, covering hundreds of thousands of miles of cycle route, allowing Poppyscotland to support thousands of serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families who need help with issues such as housing, debt, mental health, mobility and more.
With this year’s event taking place on Sunday, September 21, people are being encouraged to sign up now and further support Poppyscotland, whilst enjoying our 10th anniversary celebrations.
Featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.
From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Prestonpans.
New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path. This route is largely flat and ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride, or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager for Scotland, leading this year’s event, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th Poppy Scotland Sportive in September.
“This event has raised an astounding £273,272 over the years with over 5000 participants hitting the roads. Not to mention the wonderful 380 volunteers and 30 mechanics in the last 10 years who have willingly given up their spare time to help and support on the day.
“Once again, we would love to see as many people as possible sign up to take part this year as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, whether you are a former participant or a first timer we will be sure to give you a warm welcome, with some great encouragement on the day.
“We hope to raise as much as possible in support of our Armed Forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.
“As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.
“If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register, you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!”
Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.
To sign up today, please visit poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive
Over 200 people attended an international fun football tournament in North Edinburgh recently, whilst also learning about the important work carried out by Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.
An excited crowd watched as 10 teams, made up of staff from State Street Corporation – the American global financial services and bank holding company – from across the globe joined teams from Poppyscotland and Passion4Fusion to compete in the competition at Ainslie Park, the home of Spartans Community Football Club.
Players had descended on the capital city from Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Ireland, Italy and Germany, with the home team of State Street Edinburgh crowned the champions.
As well as the football, over the course of the afternoon spectators also enjoyed a fully licenced bar, a ‘braai’ (South African BBQ), DJ’s and musicians providing some top entertainment. Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, BUD, was also on location sharing the charity’s archive, veterans’ stories and the poppy’s heritage.
Damian Doran-Timson, Corporate Fundraiser at Poppyscotland said: “We are extremely grateful to State Street for hosting this annual tournament and we would like to thank both them and Spartans for making the event happen.
“I would also like to thank all of those who represented Poppyscotland and those who came along and supported us despite some awful weather – it was very much appreciated and greatly strengthened the excellent relationship we have with State Street.
“Every year they hold this event in a different country around the world and in support of a different charity, so it was really special that this year’s tournament was here in Scotland and allowed us to demonstrate the excellent work we do at Poppyscotland in supporting serving and ex-servicemen and women at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.”
For more information on the charity and how your donations help the Armed Forces community please visit poppyscotland.org.uk
Serving personnel, veterans and their supporters will parade through St Andrew Square in Edinburgh this weekend at a special event being held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
The celebrations will start from 10am on Saturday, June 28, as the annual procession of around 400 members of the Armed Forces community will assemble in Charlotte Square, led by 10 vintage vehicles from the Scottish Military Vehicle Group.
From there they will follow the route along George Street, reassembling in St Andrew Square where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, followed a day of fun and entertainment until 3pm.
Highlights will include The Highland and Lowland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland; The Royal British Legion Scotland and Association’s Standards and Veterans; live performances from Stuart McLean, Richard Kerr, Niamh Corkey, Fraser Mclean and Maria Townsley. The event will be hosted by BFBS broadcaster Mark McKenzie.
There will also be static displays of vintage military vehicles throughout the day and members of the public will be able to see some of the kit and equipment used by our Armed Forces over the years.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “Armed Forces Day on Saturday follows on from Monday’s event (June 23) when the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, and raised above Edinburgh’s City Chambers with pride to honour military personnel past, present and future.
“We hope you can come along and help us celebrate the Armed Forces community in our capital city in style, whilst also learning about the valuable work of charities Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and many more.”
Meanwhile, Poppyscotland, in partnership with Legion Scotland, are calling for volunteers to help man collection stations over the course of the weekend.
Volunteers are required to help at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations during timed slots on either June 28 or June 29.
If you would be interested in volunteering on either Saturday, June 28 or Sunday, June 29, please sign up today:
