The evening of Tuesday 19th October saw the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal. This year marks the centenary of Earl Haig’s original appeal. Since then, the poppy has become both a symbol of remembrance and a way of supporting the welfare of ex-service men and women.
This year, the Scottish Poppy Appeal was launched in Dover House, London. It was hosted by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP. He was joined by a number of guests, including Borders MP John Lamont.
Centenary events are planned across Scotland in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on the 14th of November. A specially designed poppy was unveiled last month as part of the appeal.
Poppy Scotland raised £2.3 million to support the Armed Forces community during last year’s appeal and hopes to surpass that figure this year.
Commenting, Scottish Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk John Lamont said:
“It is always a real privilege to attend the launch of charity appeals, but the Scottish Poppy Appeal’s 100th anniversary is particularly special. Remembering those who have sacrificed everything for us whilst supporting our military veterans is as important now as ever.
"I am continually inspired by the work of our armed forces here in the UK. We have seen, over the last 18 months, that they are always ready to step in and help when needed.
“Whether they are peacekeeping on overseas operations, or driving ambulances and getting jabs in to arms in the Scottish Borders, they deserve our support. This is especially true when they leave the armed forces, and when they may come to rely on help from the funds raised during this appeal."
