Highland landmarks urged to light up red for Poppyscotland
Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland is calling on businesses, tourist destinations and landmarks across the country to ‘Light Up Red’ to raise awareness of the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
From castles to council buildings, and schools to statues, the charity is urging some of Scotland’s most iconic buildings to show their support in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 9.
Last year, almost 200 destinations took part from Stornoway to Selkirk, including The Kelpies, Smeaton’s Bridge in Perth, Stornoway Town Hall and the University of Glasgow. The charity hopes to surpass this total in 2025.
Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to its lights, joining this striking visual display of remembrance. Previous participants include castles, abbeys, war memorials, bridges, lighthouses, cranes and fountains.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Earlier this month, Scots chart-topper Cammy Barnes helped send 2.1 million poppies, handmade by veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, on their journey around the country ahead of the Scottish Poppy Appeal launch next week.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal manager (Scotland), said: “Light Up Red is always a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visible support for their contribution, past and present.
“We have had cathedrals, museums, bridges, racecourses, schools, churches, ships and even a telephone box join in. It is always wonderful to see so many Scottish landmarks lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal, and we have been delighted by how this idea has captured people’s imaginations.
“We are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and organisations.”
For more information about how to ‘Light Up Red’ for Poppyscotland and the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red or contact Clare Shaw at c.shaw@poppyscotland.org.uk.