Glasgow Landmarks Illuminate in Support of Scottish Poppy Appeal
In anticipation of Remembrance Sunday next month, prominent landmarks in Glasgow are set to light up in red, symbolizing their support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. The initiative, organized by the Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland, aims to raise awareness for the 2023 appeal and honor the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Numerous iconic buildings, including castles, council buildings, schools, and statues, are being urged to participate in this visual representation of remembrance. Last year, a total of 188 locations across Scotland joined in, with notable participants such as the Glasgow Science Centre, Kelvingrove, Edinburgh Castle, House of Bruar, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Caird Hall.
Any building equipped with external lighting can partake in this tribute by simply adding red gel filters to their lights. Previous editions of the event have seen castles, abbeys, war memorials, bridges, lighthouses, cranes, and fountains illuminate in solidarity.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal serves as Scotland’s most significant fundraising campaign, generating over £2 million for Poppyscotland’s welfare work with veterans, servicemen, women, and their families. As part of this year’s campaign, three million poppies, handcrafted by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, are already being distributed nationwide.
Notably, around 400,000 new poppies have been introduced this year, featuring an updated design—the first in 27 years. These poppies are also free of plastic, resulting in a 40% reduction in Poppyscotland’s carbon emissions during production.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support received in recent years. He emphasized the profound impact that a small act of remembrance can have on veterans and their families. The visual tribute displayed by numerous recognizable landmarks exemplifies the appreciation held for Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
Hardie encouraged businesses, organizations, heritage sites, and landmarks equipped with external lighting to consider adding red filters to their lighting rigs leading up to Remembrance Sunday. This powerful and captivating gesture serves as an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of the Armed Forces community.
For more information on how to participate in the Light Up Red initiative and support the 2023 Scottish Poppy Appeal, please visit the Poppyscotland website [insert link].
In remembrance of those who have served and continue to serve, Glasgow’s iconic landmarks will shine brightly in a striking tribute, embodying the nation’s gratitude and respect for its veterans and military personnel.
