FAQ »
What is the Scottish Poppy Appeal?
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is a major fundraising campaign, held each November and organised by Poppyscotland. Over million poppies are distributed across Scotland to raise funds for veterans and their families.
Why the poppy?
The poppy become the symbol of remembrance for those who gave their lives in war. It was inspired by the famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written during the First World War by Lt Colonel John McCrae.
How much money do you raise?
The 2009 Appeal raised a record £2.2 million through public donations. Over the past three years there has been a 40% increase in donations.
Where does the money go?
Poppyscotland uses money raised to provide direct financial assistance to veterans in need, as well as giving grants to other veteran’ charities that provide specialist support to veterans, such as Erskine and Combat Stress. All money raised in Scotland is spent in Scotland.
Do you just help veterans from the World Wars?
Poppyscotland helps veterans of all ages, however there are no longer any surviving veterans from the First World War. Veterans from the many conflicts since have benefited from Poppyscotland’s help and the organisation is seeing increasing numbers from Iraq and Afghanistan in need of support.
Who makes the poppies?
Five million poppies are produced every year by Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh. The factory employs veterans with disabilities to hand-assemble poppies and wreaths.
What poppies do you have?
Two varieties are available – a plastic-stemmed poppy and a stick-on poppy. We no longer supply the traditional pin poppy as it was proving too expensive to produce.
Why is there no green leaf?
Apart from being botanically incorrect, to put a leaf on each poppy would cost approximately £15,000 – money we feel is better spent on providing support to veterans.
What’s the difference between Poppyscotland and The Royal British Legion Scotland?
The Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) is a separate but closely-linked charity, which is responsible for social welfare and ceremonial activities. Approximately a third of the Scottish Poppy Appeal volunteers come from RBLS branches across Scotland. Poppyscotland also funds a war pensions service, run by the RBLS.
In June 2011 Poppyscotland merged with The Royal British Legion, which organises the Poppy Appeal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Poppyscotland will continue to operate as a distinct, separate charity
The Scottish Poppy Appeal will remain in place, the Scottish poppy and the Poppyscotland brand will remain exactly the same and the manufacture of Scottish poppies at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory will continue.
The merger will not diminish Poppyscotland’s reliance on and deep appreciation of the unstinting efforts of its many volunteers and supporters, many of whom are members of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS). As before, both Poppyscotland and TRBL will continue to work in close and harmonious collaboration with RBLS.
The merger will lead to substantial additional investment in Scotland to improve the range of services and assistance available to veterans living north of the Border.
What else do you do?
Poppyscotland needs to raise funds all year-round to continue its work - supporting veterans and their families. Poppyscotland runs a number of initiatives throughout the year to raise vital funds.
