Poppy boss wants town to turn red

Bosses at Scotland’s poppy charity are calling on council chiefs to turn Renfrewshire red and back their mission.

Poppyscotland want to see landmarks, tourist destinations and businesses help paint the town scarlet in a bid to mark 100 years of the poppy’s role as the national symbol of remembrance.

It comes after Paisley’s Abbey Bridge previously turned red to back the charity – which supports ex-servicemen and women.

Now they are calling on schools, universities, council buildings and others to‘Light Up Red’, from October 22 to November 14.

Any building with external lighting features can back the campaign by adding a red gel filter.

It comes after last year’s Poppy Appeal was impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, said: “The last 18 months have been a very difficult time for us as a charity, and even more so for the Armed Forces community we support.

“The pandemic halted all our major fundraising events and we had to drastically change the way in which we reached out to the public for donations. Despite this, we have still provided our vital, life-changing support uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.

“The support of local businesses and national landmarks has been fantastic over many years, and we’re eager to hear from other locations that would like to join us in paying tribute to Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

“To see the country light up red during the Remembrance period will be even more poignant as, 100 years on, the Poppy Appeal remains as important now as it ever has been.”

Three million poppies, which are handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, have been released ahead of the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

A commemorative poppy has also been produced to mark the centenary.

For more information about how to Light Up Red for Poppyscotland and the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/ light-up-red