Billy Strathdee

Poppyscotland is very sad to announce the sudden passing of a dear colleague and friend of the charity. William (Billy) Strathdee, who was 47, died unexpectedly on 16 February.

Billy was a poppy maker at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and had worked there for 13 years. Before joining the Factory he served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers but was medically discharged after being seriously injured in a car accident, in which he lost a leg. Despite his disability Billy took part in many physical endurance events.  Billy had been training for a remarkable challenge he had set himself, which involved swimming the English Channel, cycling to Grangemouth and then running to John O'Groats in order to raise funds for Poppyscotland.  He had been preparing for this for four years and was due to undertake the challenge in September.

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to Billy’s wife and children at this difficult time. Billy will always be remembered with both affection and admiration by his friends and colleagues at Poppyscotland and Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory.  

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