Celebrating 100 Years of the Scottish Poppy

That the Parliament marks the centenary of the Scottish poppy and the establishment of Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh in 1926; recognises that the red poppy became a symbol of remembrance following the First World War, inspired by the sight of poppies growing on the battlefields of Flanders and immortalised in Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields; notes that the first Poppy Appeal took place on 11 November 1921, when nine million poppies were produced to raise funds for former servicemen; acknowledges that Lady Dorothy Haig established Scotland's own poppy factory on 8 March 1926, initially employing two disabled ex-servicemen in premises on Edinburgh's Royal Mile; recognises that Lady Haig also helped design the distinctive Scottish poppy, featuring four petals and no leaf, a design that remains an enduring symbol of remembrance across Scotland; commends the factory for providing meaningful employment, dignity and support to disabled veterans over the past century; understands that the factory, now based on Warriston Road in Edinburgh, continues to produce over three million poppies each year in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal; recognises that the appeal raises over £2 million annually to support Scotland's Armed Forces community, with funds providing vital financial assistance, housing, employment and wellbeing support to veterans and their families; notes that all money raised in Scotland is spent in Scotland, ensuring that the generosity of the Scottish public directly benefits those who have served and their loved ones, including those in Kirkcaldy; pays tribute to Poppyscotland, its staff and volunteers for their continued dedication to supporting veterans and their families, and believes that the centenary provides an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women, while reaffirming the importance of remembrance, compassion and hope for a peaceful future.