‘Moving Poppy’

● More than 200 events a year due to held around the country ● Micro-museum and mini-factory will be installed in vehicle

to house up to 35 visitors at a time. Around 150 volunteers and 80 veterans are being recruited to help welcome visitors the vehicle, which will take to the road for the first time this autumn.

It is expected to operate for the foreseeable future, including over the centenaries of the first annual “Poppy Appeal” in 1921 and the creation of the first ever poppy-making factory in Edinburgh five years later.

Plans lodged with the Heritage Lottery Fund last year for the project said the Moving Poppy was envisaged to create “a unique legacy to commemorate the end of the First World War, the on-going importance of remembrance, and the historical and contemporary significance of the poppy, especially during the centenaries of the first national poppy appeal in 2021 and Edinburgh’s Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in 2026”.

It added: “The unit would tour Scotland for 220 days annually, promoting our learning opportunities around remembrance to all, no matter what age and stage.

“Itwillshowcaseourservices and raise our profile outwith the Edinburgh area where the factory is and in priority areas, for example, where there is a need to grow our volunteer base or signpost potential beneficiaries to our own or local welfare provision.

“We will visit areas high on the Scottish index of multiple deprivation, as well as reaching out to ethnic and multifaith communities currently under-represented in our supporter base.

“We estimate a potential 50,000 visitors annually could access this facility, many of whom are geographically or economically disadvantaged. It would help ensure there is equal provision and access to our services throughout the country.

“We want to ensure young people are informed about remembrance and its relevance today, the poppy and the issuesfacingourarmedforces community.

“Ultimately we want most young people to leave school with an understanding of the three key themes of remembrance, the poppy and veterans.”

Mark Bibbey, chief executive of Poppy Scotland, said: “The Moving Poppy is an innovative and ambitious project that will provide visitors with a contemporary understanding of remembrance and explore the poppy’s role in modern Scottish society as a symbol of unity and hope.

“It will enable us to reach a