New film competition to help pupils mark 90 years of the poppy

Published on 30th Aug 2011

At an event at the Glasgow Film Theatre today, four pupils from the Glasgow Gaelic School, Iona Whyte, Eleanor Wilson, Cameron Wilson and David Macleod, had the opportunity to film World War II veteran, Ian Forsyth, from Hamilton, and Lance Corporal Gavin Gordon, Royal Logistics Corps.

The film competition will be judged in December by a panel that includes actor Bill Paterson, who said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to judge Poppyscotland’s film competition. I am looking forward to seeing the creativity of the short films from Scotland’s school children and finally helping choose the finalists. This project is a great way for the young to learn about the subject of remembrance, the significance of the poppy as a symbol and of the good work of Poppyscotland.”

Over the past three years Poppyscotland, in conjunction with Learning and Teaching Scotland, has delivered a revolutionary internet-based education project to all schools in Scotland, entitled Sowing the Poppy seed, designed to fit with the themes of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor commented: “The aim of Sowing the Poppy seed is to create a comprehensive learning experience that highlights the importance of remembrance, veterans and the poppy. Today, the poppy is as relevant as it was 90 years ago. In order for us to continue our work it is vital that a new generation of Scots are aware of the significance of the poppy and the support that it generates for ex-Service people and their families.”

As well as the film competition, Sowing the Poppy seed contains a wealth of online resources and activities. These are complemented by new materials including posters (in English and Gaelic), a fundraising pack, a DVD with a multitude of films and footage (with Gaelic subtitles), as well as suggestions for school assemblies - both religious and non-religious.

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