PoppyScotland is keeping up with the times

Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory has been alive with activity as the 4 million poppies which are all made by hand by former Service personnel were loaded on to trucks to begin the journey to the four corners of the country for the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Although the poppies went out as normal – with the Factory team actually completing their work ahead of time – this year will be one like never before as Poppyscotland embraces new technology to ensure a safe and secure Poppy Appeal.

As part of Poppyscotland’s adoption of new technology, contactless giving will enable the public to show their support whilst keeping them and the charity’s volunteers safe in the process.

QR codes and microchips, which are automatically recognised by smart phones, have been placed on poppy boxes so that members of the public will still be able to give in a socially distant, completely contactless and secure way. And all of the charity’s Poppy Appeal Area Organisers have set up JustGiving pages to boost their local fundraising efforts.

Mark Collins, the interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland. Mr Collins said: “Our incredible team of disabled veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory do remarkable work each and every day. Adaptability is a key strength instilled in

Service personnel and this has been especially evident from the Factory veterans this year, given that they have produced more than one million poppies from home during lockdown."