Poppies make M8 motorists see red

To mark the 2011 Scottish Poppy Appeal, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this November, ground staff from Hampden and Murrayfield have joined forces to paint giant poppies on the famous grass pyramids at J3a on the M8 today while the Heavy Horse statue at Baillieston is wearing a specially-designed poppy, created by the original sculptor.

Three poppies, each measuring 10m x 10m, will be visible on the pyramids, owned by the nearby Pyramids Business Park, for the next two weeks to raise awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Fraser Bedwell, Poppyscotland’s Head of Marketing, said: “This is a very special year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Ninety years on it is still providing life-changing support to Scotland’s veterans and their families and is needed now as much as ever. We want to raise as much awareness as possible over the next two weeks and we hope that the poppies on the pyramids and the bespoke poppy on the Heavy Horse will both brighten up drivers’ journeys and generate support for the Appeal.”

Peter Dallas, Managing Director at Hampden Park Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the 2011 Scottish Poppy Appeal in the creation of this unique display, which will help to raise awareness of the Appeal and be seen by thousands of motorists every day.”

Jim Dawson from Murrayfield added: “This was quite a challenge as we’re not used to painting designs on to such steep surfaces! However, we were very keen to get involved to support Poppyscotland and we’re delighted with the result. It’s all for a good cause and it’s a great way to get the message out.”

The paint and machinery to apply the poppy design to the pyramids has been provided at a discounted cost by Linemark UK. The poppy on the Heavy Horse was kindly created free of charge by the sculpture’s designer, Andy Scott.

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