Designer’s poppy masks will benefit veterans charity

Agraphic designer’s poppy-themed masks have proved a hit in a venture set to bring a huge Remembrance boost for veterans.

Saddened by the pandemic’ s impact on Remembrance Day commemoration events across the country, Kylie Long from Forfar created a personalised poppy mask for her veteran partner David McDowall, whose 13-year service career included time at RAF Leuchars.

Kylie, 36, who took the brave plunge of setting up her Rare Creative Communication business earlier this year, said: “My work has gone quiet because of the current situation but as we approached Remembrance I knew it was something so close to David’s heart, and made up the veteran’s mask for him.

“For us, it goes back to all of those guys who stand at The Cross in Forfar each Remembrance Day and it is so sad that they will miss out on that this year.

“The mental health aspect of this is such a concern because that group are some of the most affected and at risk from coronavirus and they are not able to look forward to this annual event.

“When I made the mask and put up a photo on Facebook, I thought two or three friends might be interested in getting one, but it really took off.

“All of the £6 we are charging for each mask is going to Poppy Scotland because we are covering materials and postage, and we will be handing over the money to Forfar Legion.

“We thought it was very important that the money should go to our Scottish veterans.”

Kylie added: “We reached the £500 mark within just two days and have more orders coming in.

“We have also just had another company agree to match what we manage to raise, so we are buzzing whilst at home handmaking these face masks.”

The effort has become a family affair, with the couple’s three- year- old daughter, Thea, modelling and making the poppy designs and David ’s daughters, Darcy, 16, and Amelia, 14, also involved in the production line.

“It really has been a whirlwind, but hopefully it can bring some positivity in this uncertain time and keep the veterans in people’s minds,” said Kylie.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Kylie Long and partner David McDowall, who served in the RAF for 13 years, model the poppy-themed masks. Their daughter Thea and David’s daughters Darcy and Amelia are also involved in the production line. Picture by Gareth Jennings.