100 Years of Remembrance
On 8 March 1926, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory opened in Edinburgh with a clear purpose: to provide dignified employment for disabled veterans and to honour the memory of those who served.
One hundred years on, the factory remains a living place of remembrance, assembling poppies and wreaths while supporting veterans and their families today.
A century made by hand
From a small workshop on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to a living place of remembrance today. For a century, the heart of the factory has been its people.
Disabled and vulnerable veterans have found purpose, pride and community here, turning remembrance into something made by hand, with care and meaning.
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory was founded at a time when disabled veterans faced limited opportunities and uncertain futures.
The factory offered dignity, purpose and community, values that remain at its heart 100 years later. Every poppy made connects remembrance with real support for those who have served.
Watch: 100 Years of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
Explore 100 Years of the Factory’s History
Celebrating 100 years throughout 2026
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Veterans visit Bemersyde
Twenty veterans from the factory travelled to Bemersyde House in the Scottish Borders to recreate a historic photograph taken almost 100 years ago, hosted by Countess Jane Haig.
Artworks
Artwork donation: Poppy
Artist Tony Wylie travelled from Banchory to Edinburgh to present his striking painting Poppy to the factory, where it will be displayed for visitors during tours this centenary year.
Artwork donation: Goodnight Troops
Artist Liz Peck has donated her original oil painting Goodnight Troops to Poppyscotland. The work now hangs in Lady Haig's Poppy Factory as part of its centenary celebrations.
Exhibition coming later in 2026
A dedicated exhibition exploring the factory's remarkable history — including archival material, personal recollections and veteran voices — will open later this year alongside the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
