Lest we forget . . . poppies are such potent reminders

In a year when Remembrance Day will be extra poignant, Fiona reflects on Scots who served and the small red symbol of sacrifice

It is that time of year again. I buy my first poppy. This year five million of them – and 12,000 wreaths – will leave the doors of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh. It is a busy business and one that has grown out of all recognition. Back in 1920s the first few red flowers were fashioned by two former servicemen using a pair of scissors. Today a modern machine stamps out lorry loads of petal shapes, although the assembling is still done by hand.

I know this, because I have filmed the veterans who make the symbols that remember those who gave their lives in battle. And so the military theme continues. This week we bundle the MacNaughties into the back of the car and head south.

For them is not the best journey. We are en-route to Yorkshire where a First World War soldier is being honoured in his home community. A hundred years ago Corporal Harry Blanshard Wood shielded his men from German sniper fire during an operation to cross a French river.

For this act of extreme bravery, he received the Victoria Cross. Harry was born in the village of Newton On Derwent. Local people are hugely proud of him and, on this occasion, they turn out in force to mark the unveiling of a commemorative stone.

Harry was in the Scots Guards, so the event is ably manged by Neil Crockett, of the Scots Guards Association. Like us, he and his wife, Margaret, have come down from Scotland – they from Dunfermline.Top military brass arrive to pay their respects.

Blessing the stone is the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu. A characterful churchman, he sprinkles holy water on the memorial – and also on a group of delighted children.

Six hundred and ninety thousand Scots served in the First World War. Indeed, more volunteered between 1914 and 1916 than in the rest of the UK. Of the 620 VCs given over the duration of that conflict, 74 went to Scots.

From a piper to a footballer, these priceless medals recognise the heroes of the trenches and battlefields. Since 2014, we have been paying tribute to these men. I have been at two VC commemorations in Dumfriesshire. The chief, meanwhile, was in Fife to remember the only Scottish policeman ever to win the honour. Sergeant John McAulay took charge after his commanding officers were all killed

From a piper to a footballer, these priceless medals recognise the heroes of the trenches and battlefields

and injured, going on to repel a German attack.

A poppy can easily be lost. A carelessly-positioned seat belt may cause damage. Importantly, a poppy must be kept well away from chewing dogs. Some say a poppy should sit on the left, above the heart. Others maintain the green leaf must point to 11 o’clock, which marks the 11th hour of the 11th day.

Whatever. What matters is that the bravest of the brave are not forgotten.