A Tale of Two Poppies

A TALE OF TWO POPPIES

One symbol of Remembrance. Two distinct traditions. A shared purpose.

Every November, millions of people wear a red poppy to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives in conflict. However, have you ever wondered why Scotland has a different poppy from the rest of the United Kingdom?

إن Royal British Legion Poppy and Poppyscotland Poppy share the same powerful message. Nevertheless, each has its own fascinating history, distinctive design and tradition.

Where the story began

The red poppy became a symbol of Remembrance following the First World War. Across the battlefields of Flanders, poppies grew amongst the devastation. As a result, their appearance inspired Canadian military doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write In Flanders Fields in 1915.

A few years later, in 1921, Frenchwoman Anna Guérin helped introduce the poppy as a fundraising symbol in Britain. At the same time, Field Marshal Earl Haig recognised its potential to support former servicemen. Consequently, the first Poppy Appeal raised over £106,000.

The Royal British Legion Poppy

The British Legion was established in 1921 to support former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Traditionally, its familiar poppy features two red petals and a green leaf. Furthermore, in 1922, the Legion established its own Poppy Factory, providing employment for disabled veterans who manufactured the poppies.

Today, the Royal British Legion continues its Poppy Appeal. Through this work, it raises vital funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The Poppy Scotland Poppy

Meanwhile, Scotland developed its own distinctive poppy tradition. Initially, demand for poppies meant that supplies from England struggled to reach Scotland.

To overcome this problem, Countess Dorothy Haig established Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh in 1926. Instead of following the existing design, she introduced a distinctive poppy featuring four red petals and no green leaf.

Originally, the factory employed disabled ex-servicemen. Today, it continues to provide meaningful employment for disabled and vulnerable veterans.

In addition, Poppyscotland raises funds to support Scotland’s Armed Forces community and their families.

Two poppies, one shared purpose

So, why are the designs different?

Ultimately, the answer lies in their separate historical development. Although Poppyscotland originally operated independently, it became part of The Royal British Legion Group in 2011.

Despite their different designs and traditions, both organisations continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

What does Remembrance mean to us?

For our Cadets and Adult Volunteers, Remembrance means much more than simply wearing a poppy. Above all, it means understanding our history, respecting sacrifice and recognising the debt we owe to previous generations.

Whether you wear the two-petalled Royal British Legion poppy or Scotland’s four-petalled Poppyscotland poppy, the message remains exactly the same.

WE REMEMBER. WE HONOUR. WE SUPPORT.

Two poppies. Two traditions. One shared commitment to Remembrance.

Lest We Forget.