Tag: Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026

Landmarks to Light Up for Scottish Poppy Appeal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about how to get involved, visit:

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

Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance opens as Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 launches

Senior Armed Forces personnel joined Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh to pay tribute at the opening of the city’s Garden of Remembrance today (Saturday, 24th October). 

They honoured the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present at the Garden of Remembrance at Princes Street Gardens, highlighting the continued importance of remembrance and wearing a poppy. 

The official opening marks the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal this week, by Poppyscotland’s youngest volunteer Ava Mitchell (11) and beneficiaries of the charity, with volunteer collectors hitting the streets and supermarkets across the country over the coming weeks.

Photo caption:- National Colours are dropped during the 2 minute silence

Photo caption:- Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock laid the Royal British Legion wreath.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is an important event in our calendar of Remembrance activities.

“I hope that residents and visitors to Edinburgh will take the chance to visit the Garden of Remembrance over the next few weeks to reflect and pay their own tributes.” 

Photo caption:- Royal British Legion Parade Marshall Tony Hooman along with Area Standard Bearer Billy Morrison (R) and National Standard Bearer Paul Cooper (L) pay their respects at the grave of the Unknown soldier.

Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of Royal British Legion Scotland, led a short Service of Remembrance, with readings by the Lord Provost and Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, with music by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. 

Wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC RM, Royal Navy, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Scottish Government, General Officer Scotland, Major General Nick Thomas CBE, British Army, Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, Sqn Ldr Scottie Rankin, Officer Commanding 603 (City of Edinburgh RAuxAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force, representatives of veterans’ organisations, and members of the emergency services.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies being distributed around the country.

People can find out more or support the appeal by visiting www.poppyscotland.org.uk.