Poppyscotland featured charity at Gardening Scotland

Poppyscotland, the organisation that supports veterans and their families, is gearing up for Gardening Scotland this weekend  as the official charity partner of the 2013 show.

Poppyscotland already has an association with Scotland’s leading gardening event having been involved with a number of exhibits at previous shows and this year the charity will be using the opportunity to remind visitors that its work continues all year round.

A Poppyscotland stand will offer visitors a wealth of information about the charity’s work and how to get involved while veterans with disabilities from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory will demonstrate the art of poppy-making.

Although best known for organising the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, the charity needs to raise funds throughout the year to meet the demands on its services from veterans who can struggle with a multitude of complex needs, from physical injury and mental illness to finding secure employment and housing.

Colin Flinn, Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland said: “We are delighted to be the official charity of Gardening Scotland this year. It gives us an ideal opportunity to tell people that our work in supporting Scotland’s veterans goes on all year round, not just in November. Sadly our services show no sign of diminishing and we must raise money all year round in order to continue to deliver our services. Poppyscotland will indeed be in full bloom at the show and we hope that visitors will stop by our stand to show their support and learn more about our life-changing work.”

Gardening Scotland is the country’s biggest gardening and outdoor living show, attracting 40,000 visitors and more than 400 exhibitors every year. This year’s show runs until Sunday 2 June at The Royal Highland Centre.

Poppyscotland supporters Olivia and Matthew are pictured with the giant panda in one of the show gardens – Five Senses of the Orient Garden, by Ray Howie for Gardening Leave, sponsored by turf firm Turffit.

Photos supplied by Mark Davison / Pro Lens Photo Agency/ PLPA