Earlier today Edinburgh Poppy Day offered live music and entertainment for those passing through St Andrew Square Garden. Volunteer collectors from Poppyscotland shook their tins and were given many donations by members of the public.
During the day Forces Radio BFBS put on a concert and roadshow with ITV’s The Voice and Legion Scotland sweetheart Amy Hawthorn. She was joined on stage by others including Laura Connolly, Megan Adams, Richard Kerr, Alan Brydon and Stuart and Fraser Mclean.
3 SCOTS The Black Watch Pipes and Drums also provided some music as well as some historic military vehicles for visitors to look at. ‘Bud’ is Poppyscotland’s 18-tonne custom-built truck which is travelling up and down Scotland to teach communities about the heritage of the poppy and about remembrance.
Gordon Michie, the Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “Rain? What rain! Yes, it was damp, but there was no dampening of spirits as the music played on and a sea of happy faces enjoyed the endless entertainment before so many of them kindly donated to Poppyscotland.
“I want to thank all who took part today, whether that was the performers who gave of their time so generously, or the public who turned out to donate to the cause. Edinburgh Poppy Day is one of the pivotal days in the period of Remembrance and it’s a special occasion in which we can let the Armed Forces community know that we are behind them. Always.”
Among the many collectors out on the streets was Melanie Spencer, from Linlithgow, who was part of the team from Virgin Money. She was ably assisted on the day by her two daughters; Madeleine, ten, and Amelia, eight.
Melanie’s great-grandfather and great uncle fought in World War One, while her grandfather served in Burma during the Second World War and her grandmother worked in a factory putting ball bearings in bombs that would be dropped by the RAF.
She said: “I think it is really important for the children to be socially responsible, so that’s why they are along with me today. They are really enjoying the day and meeting a lot of lovely people. Earlier on, they got a chance to get on board the Bud truck, so they are now getting a better understanding of what the poppy and remembrance all means and why the need to collect.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
