Poppyscotland has been given the funding to bring new life to the gardens at New Haig House in Edinburgh, thanks to a £15,000 donation from Scotmid Co-operative.
Their flagship centre is undergoing a major refurbishment project, transforming the surrounding gardens and buildings to make the site a more attractive and enriching place for veterans and visitors.
Poppyscotland also plans to commission a veteran skilled in carpentry design and build a Scotmid Reflection Bench from native timber. This bench will give visitors a place to sit and reflect on the charity’s Exhibition Gallery, which features meaningful conversations around the work of the armed forces.
A Scotmid Volunteer Shelter will also be erected in the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.
John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We’re honoured to support Poppyscotland and its refurbishment project at New Haig House in Edinburgh. “We hope that the new additions will create a beautiful space for veterans and visitors, and we can’t wait to come back and see it all once the refurbishment has been completed!”
Austin Hardie, Director at Poppyscotland said: “We believe those who serve or have served our country, deserve support to live life fully and without disadvantage, after their time in the Armed Forces.
“New Haig House gardens offer a peaceful and reflective space. We’re extremely grateful for Scotmid’s generous grant for the project and look forward to its completion.”
Pictured (left to right): Gordon Michie (Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland), Austin Hardie (Director of Poppyscotland), John Brodie (Chief Executive of Scotmid), Harry Cairney (Scotmid President) & Kerry Crichton (Deputy Head of Learning and Outreach at Poppyscotland)
Poppyscotland has launched new learning resources for pupils of all ages, encouraging them to reflect on the history of the poppy and role of remembrance.
Pupils at Stromness Primary School on Orkney launched the new learning programme onboard Bud, Poppyscotland’s mobile museum on Monday (SEPT 26th), as it clocked up an important milestone having now visited all 32 local authority areas in its first two years on the road.
The 18-tonne truck, which transforms into an interactive learning space, has been traveling the length and breadth of the country since 2019, visiting schools and communities. Having had an enforced lockdown layover for over a year, Bud is now busier than ever with its calendar full well into 2023.
Bud is just one part of an ever-growing Learning programme run by Poppyscotland, which also includes physical resources that are sent to every school in Scotland each year, an annual competition and a newly-launched website containing around 100 different lesson plans, videos and other resources for teachers and youth leaders to access.
All resources have been developed in conjunction with Education Scotland and the Royal British Legion Scotland, and link to Curriculum for Excellence.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very excited to launch our 2022 educational resources and our new learning website. It is significant to do so on Orkney as it marks the final part of Scotland to be visited by Bud since it launched in 2019.
“Together, these offer schools and youth groups a wealth of innovative and engaging resources, looking at topics from First World War poetry to the Kindertransport and more recent conflicts. They stimulate discussion and learning around our recent history and help young people explore the relevance of remembrance in modern-day Scotland.
“We’re also delighted to invite entries for this year’s Learning Competition, asking children to share their own personal responses by imagining the “the day war started”. This is particularly timely given the current conflict in Ukraine, and the plight of child refugees around the world.”
From early 2023, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh will once again welcome visitors following a three-year refurbishment programme. There, they will have the opportunity to meet the team of disabled veterans who make three million poppies and 20,000 wreaths each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as learn about the remarkable history of the poppy.
Mr Michie continued: “The reopening of the Poppy Factory will be the culmination of three years’ hard work.
“The vastly enhanced visitor experience will offer a fascinating insight to the rich heritage of this remarkable little flower, as well as the chance to meet our team and see how the poppies are made.”
Helga Moss, a teacher from Stromness Primary School, said: “The visit from Bud was absolutely fantastic and there was something for children of all ages.
“The pupils were really engaged, and especially enjoyed the hands-on activities such as making their own poppies.”
All resources on Poppyscotland’s Learning website are free for teachers, youth leaders, parents and carers to download.
Schools can also book a visit from Bud and follow its journey around the country.
Scotland’s most decorated swimmer Duncan Scott MBE joined forces with veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory yesterday to help send three million poppies for the Scottish Poppy Appeal on their way to communities across the country.
The multiple Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist, whose father and uncle served in the British Army, took time out from his training regime to lend a hand loading poppies onto lorries. These will now be delivered around Scotland ahead of this year’s Appeal, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13th.
A team of 34 disabled veterans have spent the last 11 months making each poppy by hand ahead of Scotland’s largest fundraising street campaign. An army of volunteers will now distribute them across the country, with all donations going to support Poppyscotland’s vital work supporting the Armed Forces community.
Duncan Scott said: “‘I’m honoured to be visiting Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today and seeing first-hand the fantastic work they do.
“With both my father and uncle having served in the Armed Forces, I’m incredibly grateful to the veterans and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide poppies to the whole of Scotland.”
Now in its 101st year, the poppy is an enduring symbol of remembrance, representing reflection on the past and hope for a peaceful future. The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland, raising more than £2 million each year.
All money raised, as well as Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising, enables the charity to deliver a wide range of services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “After two difficult years due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re hoping for a return to normal this year. Our tens of thousands of volunteers are looking forward to getting fully back out on streets, shopping centres and supermarkets around the country, meeting the public and offering poppies to everyone who chooses to wear one.
“We’re very grateful to our fantastic team of veterans who have worked tirelessly all year to produce the millions of poppies for this year’s Appeal. Today’s uplift is a special moment for all of them, as these poppies start their journey across Scotland.
“This year’s Appeal is more important than ever, as we’re seeing increasing demand for our services as more families struggle with the rising cost of living. Our servicemen and women, and their families, make extraordinary sacrifices on our behalf, so we want to ensure that we are always there to provide support when they need it.”
Lothian tandem riders are gearing up for Poppyscotland’s popular Sportive event, proving visual impairment is no barrier to cycling.
Edinburgh-based Vie Velo cycling club pairs sighted “pilots” with blind and visually-impaired riders for regular social bike rides.
Now 30 group members have challenged themselves to complete the Sportive on Sunday 25th September, cycling up to 68 miles on routes through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
They will join around 1000 cyclists at the event, which is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Now in its seventh year, it has already raised more than £250,000 to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
This year’s Sportive aims to be the most inclusive ever, opening up the route to tandems and e-bike users.
Ken Reid, 63, from North Berwick, chair of Vie Velo, took up tandem riding in 1990 when he found his eyesight deteriorating due to retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive condition.
He helped set up the club in 2019 with the support of Cycling UK and grants from RS MacDonald Charitable Trust and Transport Scotland.
They now have almost 90 members, with around one third affected by visual impairment, and meet at Saughton Park for bike rides at least twice a month.
Ken said: “We were looking for a challenge for our group and were keen to support Poppyscotland. We felt there was a close connection since many veterans in Scotland are affected by sight loss.
“I kept cycling solo as long as I could when I realised I was losing my sight. But then I decided to buy a tandem and found a group of mates who would take turns to go out with me.
“We were delighted to be able to set up the club to get more blind and partially-sighted people engaged in cycling. We’d like more people to know about us and be aware they have the option of getting back on a bike again.
“The most important thing in tandem riding is trust. You have to place all your trust in the pilot, and that can be a big change if you’re used to having control. But it’s also great fun and very sociable – we’re not racers and all our weekend rides include stops for coffee and cake!”
The Sportive, sponsored by Fred.Olson Renewables, will start and finish at Prestonpans Community Centre. Entrants can choose between three routes of different lengths, taking in stunning coastal and country roads. The most challenging 102-mile route covers the Lammermuirs, before dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the riders from Vie Velo, and very grateful for their support. They are truly inspirational and really do show that cycling can be for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
“We’re excited that the Sportive is returning to East Lothian and the Borders after a two-year break. This year’s event aims to be the most inclusive ever, and we’re encouraging riders of all abilities to take part, whether on a traditional bike, an e-bike or a tandem.
“The Sportive is always very popular, but there’s still time to join in, get fit, and raise funds for a great cause Participants can choose between three routes, taking in stunning coastal views and country roads, with a timed hill climb to challenge the most experienced cyclists.
“We’d like to thank Fred. Olson Renewables for continuing to sponsor us this year. This means 100 per cent of the sign-up fee and any sponsorship raised will go towards providing vital welfare support to veterans, servicemen and women and their families across Scotland.”
The Sportive is an “open road” cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed in order to minimise disruption to the public. Riders can have a free place if they are supporting a cyclist with a disability.
Cyclists can register at Prestonpans Community Centre on Saturday 24th September between 2pm and 6pm, or on Sunday 25th from 6:30am to 8:30am.
After traveling the world with Scotland’s most famous military band, a West Lothian musician is returning to Livingston to pay tribute to local heroes.
Warrant Officer John Govan, who lives in Bathgate, will perform with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at their “Celebrating our Heroes” concert to support Poppyscotland.
John, who plays the clarinet, flute, and saxophone, has been an Army musician for 22 years, performing all over Europe, and in the Middle East, Hong Kong, and America. The band has recently played at Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo, following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Holyrood Place.
Now they will be coming to Howden Park Centre on Friday 30th September, as part of the band’s tour around Scotland. All proceeds will go to help Poppyscotland deliver its life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.
John said: “This is the first time the Band has played in Livingston, and I’m really looking forward to playing close to home. We’re excited to be supporting a great cause, as well as paying tribute to local heroes, from the Armed Forces to key workers during a pandemic.
“We’ve got a fantastic programme this year, ranging from traditional Scottish tunes to modern classics, while the Band Scots Ceilidh group is sure to get feet tapping! We’ve been especially pleased to work with Scottish folk musician and composer Alan Brydon, who has written a new song, Land of Heroes, for the finale.
“These concerts are always very enjoyable events, and it’s great to get out and meet local audiences.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and are very grateful for their continuing support. This is a fantastic chance to hear one of Scotland’s best-known bands here in Livingston.
“These concerts are always a great night out, with an uplifting and eclectic programme showcasing the band’s versatility. All funds raised will support our life-changing work with the Armed Forces community, providing practical help and support whenever they need us.”
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, is one of the 22 Regular Army bands, and is made up of musicians who are also serving soldiers.
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concessions) and are available via:
Poppyscotland has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its outstanding help with employment for members of the Armed Forces community.
The Edinburgh-based charity was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest badge of honour given by the MoD.
The charity is one of 16 businesses and organisations in Scotland to receive the Gold award, with the scheme now in its ninth year. Poppyscotland, and its subsidiary, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which employs a number of veterans with disabilities, both achieved the Silver award last year.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support the Armed Forces community and inspire others to do the same. It runs bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that demonstrate their support.
To win the gold award, they must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Covenant is a promise to treat current and former service personnel and their families fairly, in areas from healthcare to housing.
Poppyscotland is Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing a wide range of services, including advice, financial support, and help with physical and mental health issues.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “As an employer working directly at the heart of the Armed Forces community, we felt it was important that we show leadership and highlight the many benefits this scheme brings to both employer and employee.
“Being awarded the Gold recognition is testimony to the values of Poppyscotland and our commitment to those who have served and are serving currently. By espousing these values publicly, we also hope that it will encourage others to be involved in our life-changing welfare work that we provide to those in need in the Armed Forces community in Scotland.”
Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People, said: “Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.
“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
Scottish winners will be honoured at a ceremony at Stirling Castle on November 3rd.
They’ve played for Her Majesty the Queen as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations – and now fans can hear the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland on a national tour.
Scotland’s best-known military band has launched a series of concerts, “Celebrating our Heroes” to raise funds for Poppyscotland this autumn.
Renowned for their performances at Holyrood Palace and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the talented musicians will be touring venues in Livingston, Hamilton, Perthshire, Angus, and the Scottish Borders.
This year’s repertoire will include folk music inspired from across Scotland, featuring a collaboration with Hawick folk musician and songwriter, Alan Brydon.
The events follow similar successful tours in 2018 and 2019. All proceeds will go to help Poppyscotland deliver its life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.
The first one will take place at Hamilton Town House on Friday 2nd September, followed by dates at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, Montrose Academy, and Bankfoot Church Centre, Perthshire. The final, festive concert will be on December 15th at Hawick Town Hall.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland after a two-year break due to the pandemic, and are very grateful for their continuing support. This is a fantastic chance to hear the internationally acclaimed band at local venues around Scotland.
“The concerts promise to be unforgettable evenings, featuring folk music inspired from across Scotland, from the Borders to the Western Isles, and guaranteed to get your feet tapping! They are always very popular, so we’d encourage music lovers to buy their tickets early before they sell out.
“All funds raised will help us continue our vital work, supporting current and former servicemen and women and their families, which is now needed more than ever.”
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, is one of the 22 Regular Army bands, and is made up of musicians who are also serving soldiers. As well as supporting the Army and performing at ceremonial occasions across Scotland, they have also played around the world, traveling to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland and Canada in recent years.
Concert dates are:
Hamilton Town House – Friday 2nd September 2022
Howden Park Centre, Livingston – Friday 30th September 2022
Montrose Academy – Friday 21st October 2022
Bankfoot Church Centre, Perthshire – Friday 4th November 2022
Hawick Town Hall – Thursday 15th December 2022
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concessions) and are available via:
Falklands veterans and their families gathered in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 18 June) to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict. They were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP for the parade and remembrance service.
Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums marched along George Street before the service in St Andrew Square. Many Falklands veterans were among those taking part, including former Scots Guards drummer, Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire.
At 11am, the bands were joined by more than 120 pipers across Scotland and as far away as Peru, New Zealand and the Falklands, to play “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” in unison. This tune was composed by Scottish Pipe Major James Riddell in the midst of the decisive battle on 13th June 1982, which led to the Argentine surrender and the end of the war the following day.
The commemorations were organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government.
The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands, jointly led the service.
They remembered the 255 British servicemen who fell in the Falklands, as well as 649 Argentinian military personnel, three civilians, and thousands more who were wounded.
The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British territory in the South Atlantic, and ended on June 14th, as British troops approached the capital, Stanley. It was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the British Armed Forces.
Following the service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Mr Brown MSP, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, a Falklands veteran and President of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, the Heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland, and the War Widows Association.
Participants then enjoyed musical entertainment from the two military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver. The public were also able to enjoy exhibits from Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, and many other organisations and associations.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It was heartening to see so many people come together today to pay tribute to all those who served in the Falklands. For veterans and their families, today was a very poignant day, as we remembered those who laid down their lives 40 years ago. Even now, many of those who served are still living with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.
“This was also an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary resilience of our Armed Forces community and the vital role they continue to play today. We’re delighted that people of all ages have engaged with our learning programme over recent months, taking the chance to find out more about the Falklands and other conflicts, and their impact on our recent history.
“It was particularly moving to hear the iconic pipe tune “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” being played at 11am, both here at St Andrews Square and by our global pipe band in all corners of the world.
“We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council and everyone else who has made today’s events possible, as well as the public for their support.”
Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a commemoration which will provide the people of Scotland with an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made 40 years ago in the Falklands War.”
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Sharing his memories of the long journey to the Falklands onboard the QE2, Rev Smith said: “We suddenly remembered what war entailed. The question that was at the back of our mind was “would we or would we not return”.
“But I had to go beyond that. I had about 500 lads who were in the same position. These were the ones who were fighting, so it was up to me to help these people as much as possible.”
Reflecting on the 40th anniversary commemorations today, Rev Smith continued: “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in years. The thought that has gone into this, it’s beautiful really.
“The first person I met today was the wife of a great friend of mine, who was amongst the first men killed in the war. We just looked at one another today, and we couldn’t speak.”
The daughter of a Scottish Pipe Major, whose famous tune pays tribute to those who fell in the Falklands, has spoken of the war’s lasting impact on her family.
On Saturday, (JUNE 18th), hundreds of pipers in Edinburgh and around the world will join in unison by playing “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” to mark the 40th anniversary of the ceasefire.
The tune was composed on the back of a ration pack by Pipe Major James Riddell while under fire during the decisive battle, in which eight fellow Scots Guards were killed. Shortly afterwards, he climbed to the top of the mountain to play it for the first time.
Musicians from across the UK, and as far away as Peru, New Zealand, and the Falklands, will play in unison at 11am on Saturday. This is part of a day of remembrance events, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Armed Forces.
Veterans will also join a parade through the centre of Edinburgh, attended by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP, and heads of all three Armed Forces, before a service of remembrance followed by entertainment in St Andrew’s Square.
Forty years on, Pipe Major Riddell’s daughter Teri Newell said the tune still brings a tear to her eye, and brings back bittersweet memories of her father, who died in 1997.
She said that he had returned “a different man” after the Falklands, and there had been a lack of support for many veterans who had struggled with their experiences.
She said: “He seemed like a stranger, not my dad. He became more insular and never spoke about his experiences. I’m almost certain he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it wasn’t recognised at the time.
“There was a lot of support for service families, but very little for the men. There was that attitude that you kept a stiff upper lip and just got on with it.”
Born in Stonehaven, Pipe Major Riddell joined the Scots Guards aged 17, following in his father’s footsteps. He married his high school sweetheart, Pauline, and served in Malaya, Borneo, and Northern Ireland.
Teri, their only child, was 14 when he was sent to the Falklands, and living at Chelsea Barracks with other military families.
She said: “I was used to him being away, but this time it felt different. It was really quite scary. He was going off to war and I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. Every day I would come home from school hoping there was something from Dad. But you just had to get on with life.
“When we heard about the ceasefire it was the most fabulous news. But then the next day came the announcement of the fatalities. My mum remembers that, almost in a heartbeat, they went from elation to immense sadness. It was surreal – we wanted to celebrate but then we had friends and neighbours who had lost their husbands and fathers.”
Pipe Major Riddell was part of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards who attacked Argentinian forces on Tumbledown Mountain on June 13th, which guarded the approach to the Falklands capital, Stanley.
They engaged in fierce, hand-to-hand combat for almost nine hours in dark, freezing conditions, before finally taking the stronghold. This led to the Argentinian surrender the following day.
A few weeks later, the families travelled to RAF Brize Norton to be reunited with the returning soldiers.
She said: “It was wonderful seeing my dad in the flesh again,” she said. “But he hardly ever spoke about what he’d been through.
“Later on, he told me he’d scribbled the tune on the back of a ration pack. He told me it just came to him. Things were obviously going through his head at the time, then it all came together.”
Pipe Major Riddell served for 28 years, leaving in 1991 with an exemplary conduct assessment. His comrades remember him as well-respected and protective of the pipers under his command, although he could be a tough task master.
But he found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life, and the family became estranged when Teri was in her 20s. He died of a brain tumour in 1997.
She said: “When he left the military, he found it a very hard transition. He had been a soldier for all his adult life and was used to that structure and following orders. I think being on his own and having to find a job was a very scary prospect.
“I only spoke to him a handful of times after that, but he kept my number. Then one day, I got a phone call saying he had passed away. I didn’t even know he had been ill. That was the worst day of my life.”
She now lives in Slough with her husband Eric and is proud that her father’s memory lives on through his music.
“It’s amazing that so many pipers will be playing it on Saturday, it really warms my heart. Whenever I hear it, it brings a tear to my eye and reminds me of him. He was never interested in recognition, he didn’t want to be in the spotlight. But his tune means a lot to people around the world.”
Hundreds of current and former servicemen and their families are expected to take part in Saturday’s parade (JUNE 18th), starting at 10:15am from Charlotte Square. It will be led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, with the pipers’ tribute taking place at 11am.
There will be a service in St Andrew Square, jointly led by the National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland The Rev Karen Campbell and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands.
This will be followed by performances by both military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver.
A series of portraits of Falklands veterans has been released to tell their stories as Scotland marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict today (14th June.
Award-winning Glasgow photographer Wattie Cheung worked with leading military charities Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces in the 1982 war.
The work has been released ahead of a national remembrance parade and service in the centre of Edinburgh on Saturday (JUNE 18th). Hundreds of current and former servicemen and women and their families are expected to take part. They will be joined by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, representatives of the Scottish Government, and heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland.
Veterans and a military band will march from Charlotte Square along George Street on Saturday morning, before a service of remembrance and wreath-laying in St Andrew Square, followed by musical entertainment.
Pipers around the world will also join in playing the Crags of Tumbledown Mountain in tribute to the fallen at 11am that morning. The tune was composed by Scottish soldier, Pipe Major James Riddell, during the final battle on the back of a ration packet. More than 110 have already signed up, from as far away as Canada, Peru, and the Falklands.
The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. Argentina surrendered on June 14th, as British forces approached the capital, Stanley. In total, 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentine military personnel, and three civilians died, while many more were wounded.
As part of the charities’ commemorations, Mr Cheung photographed seven veterans across Scotland using a Graflex Super D large format film camera made in the USA in the 1940s. Each one said that the 10-week conflict had impacted the rest of their lives, with many losing close friends and struggling to come to terms with their experiences.
Among them is David Cruickshanks, from Fife, who at the age of 17 was the youngest Scot to serve in the Falklands with the Royal Navy. He remembers the constant threat of air attacks, accidentally walking through a minefield, and losing six crewmates from his ship, HMS Fearless.
Former Scots Guards Donald McLeod, Willie Urban and Graham Hopewell were involved in the final battle to take Mount Tumbledown on June 13th, before the Argentinian surrender the following day.
Mr McLeod described nine hours of hand-to-hand fighting through the night, during which eight of his comrades were killed.
Mr Cheung said he had always been fascinated by the stories of veterans, and he was inspired to capture the portraits following similar projects to mark the 75th anniversary of D Day in 2019, and VE Day and VJ Day in 2020.
Wattie Cheungsaid: “Meeting veterans is always humbling and a good opportunity to learn about the harsh realities of war from those who have first-hand experience.
“They were all young men, no matter which war, sent into situations that they had never experienced. I don’t think they see themselves as heroes but just ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances doing a job they were trained to do.”
Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland are organising this weekend’s commemorative events in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government. Falklands veterans and bereaved relatives will also be traveling to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire today (JUNE 14th) for a UK-wide service.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “These stunning portraits pay tribute to the incredible efforts and resilience of those who served in the Falklands. They encourage us to reflect on the sacrifices they made 40 years ago and remember those who paid the ultimate price.
“Today will be a poignant day for thousands of veterans, servicemen, women, and their families, as we mark the anniversary of the ceasefire. Although the conflict lasted for just 74 days, it had a profound impact, with many veterans struggling with the physical and mental scars for decades afterwards.
“We’re pleased to be working with Poppyscotland, the Scottish Government, and Armed Forces to hold national commemorations and encourage the public as well as the Armed Forces community to get involved. We’ve also been impressed by the enthusiastic response to our call for pipers to take part, and join us in playing on streets, hillsides, and gardens across Scotland and the world.”
Saturday’s parade will start at 10am from Charlotte Square, led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums.
The service, led by Revd Dr Karen Campbell, will be followed by performances by both military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver.
