Frequently Asked Questions
What is Poppyscotland?
Poppyscotland is the charity that supports veterans and their dependants in Scotland. It was founded in 1921 under the name of The Earl Haig Fund Scotland by Field Marshal Earl Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in France, 1915-1919, to provide practical help to ex-Service men, women and dependants in need.
Why the Poppy?
Inspired by John McCrae's poem, In Flanders Fields, the poppy became the symbol of remembrance for those who gave their lives for their country and the first Poppy Appeal was held in November 1921.
What happened to the name Earl Haig Fund Scotland?
We introduced a new title – Poppyscotland - to cover our expanding functions, especially round-the-year fundraising. We believe that not enough people understand the link between the Earl Haig Fund Scotland and the Scottish Poppy Appeal. The new title will remove this problem. We hope that everyone from school pupils upwards will now understand the association.
The name Earl Haig Fund Scotland will not disappear but will continue to be the legally registered name.
Will there be a name change for the Scottish Poppy Appeal?
No, Poppyscotland is the organisation. The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Poppyscotland’s largest annual fundraising event.
How do you raise funds?
We raise money through the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, other fundraising events such as Run the Road, donations, legacies and Gift Aid.
The 2006 Scottish Poppy Appeal raised a record £1.5 million, thanks to the generosity of the Scottish public and the dedication of our 10,000 volunteers who take to the streets each November.
Where does the money go?
All money raised is used to support veterans and their dependants in Scotland, through:
- Direct financial assistance to individuals
- An advice service for the veterans’ community, including pension claims and appeals
- Grants and research for organisations that deliver specialist services to veterans in Scotland
- Supporting the employment of veterans with disabilities in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
In 2006 we spent £2.4 million on our charitable activities
Who is eligible for Poppyscotland’s help?
To be eligible for help from Poppyscotland you must be a member of the veterans community. We define a veteran as anybody who has served in the UK Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). We also help widows/widowers, spouses and dependants of veterans. The definition is deliberately wide-ranging as we aim to support as many people as we can.
How does Poppyscotland get in touch with people in need?
We have close links with the Royal British Legion Scotland and SSAFA Forces Help, whose respective welfare officers and caseworkers are our eyes and ears on the ground.
We have also put communications at the forefront of our work so that we can reach more people in need.
We communicate with other service providers, such as Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Glasgow Homelessness Partnership, and agencies including the Scottish Executive and Ministry of Defence, through events and publications such as our bi-annual Charitable Services News.
Is there still a need for Poppyscotland today?
Yes, there is an increasing level of need amongst the veterans’ community. Since 1945 there has only been one year in which members of the Armed Forces have not been killed or injured on active service - 1968.
Although there is a welfare system in place there will always be people who slip through the net. There are many people who, for various reasons, do not qualify for state help, or even where such help is available, it may not be enough.
What does Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory do?
The Factory provides supported employment to veterans with disabilities. Over four million poppies and 8,000 wreaths are hand-assembled each year.
The Factory also has printing and framing departments, both of which are open to the public. The framing department was recently elected for membership of the Fine Arts Trade Guild.
Visit www.ladyhaigpoppyfactory.org.uk for more information.
What is the connection with the Royal British Legion Scotland?
The Royal British Legion Scotland is a separate but closely linked charity. Over a quarter of its members organise collections for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, Neither Poppyscotland nor the Royal British Legion Scotland are part of The Royal British Legion, which operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but we do enjoy a close and productive relationship.
Visit www.rblscotland.org for more information.
Why does the Scottish poppy not have a leaf?
Unlike the English poppy, the Scottish poppy has four petals and no leaf. Apart from being botanically incorrect, to put a leaf on each of our poppies would cost £15,000 each year, money we feel is better spent on supporting veterans and their dependants in Scotland.