Final farewell in Inverness to Poppyscotland’s giant 3-D poppy as plastic-stemmed poppies phased out
A giant poppy used to highlight the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal over the years is making its final appearance in Inverness.
As the city prepares to honour those who have died in conflict as part of the nationwide programme of Remembrance events, the fundraising pop-up installation has opened in the Eastgate Shopping Centre where people are being invited to turn it from white to red by “planting” a poppy.
Although it has appeared elsewhere in Scotland in previous years, it is the first time it has visited Inverness but it also marks the end of era as plastic-stemmed poppies - which are used in the installation - are phased out and replaced by ones made entirely from paper.
An official launch, including a flashmob, will be held in the centre on Saturday at 1pm.
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Poppyscotland, which runs the Scottish Poppy Appeal, is appealing to the Inverness and wider Highland community to come together and transform the installation by buying and planting a poppy
It says by buying a poppy, visitors are not only making a symbolic gesture of remembrance but also providing vital, life-changing support to Scotland’s armed forces community.
Funds raised from the appeal go directly to support veterans, service families and those currently serving in the armed forces by providing critical help in areas such as employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.
Each poppy sold represents a lifeline for veterans and their families, helping them transition to civilian life and cope with the challenges they face.
Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising and learning Gordon Michie, said: “This year marks a poignant moment as we say farewell to our traditional 3D poppy installation and invite the people of Inverness to make history by helping us fully fill it for the first time.
“The Scottish Poppy Appeal remains a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of communities like Inverness that help us make a real difference in the lives of veterans, service members, and their families.”
Inverness veterans Gordon MacMillan, who served with the Gordon Highlanders, and Roger Jarvis, who served with he RAF, began selling poppies at the installation today.
Mr Jarvis (70) recalled first learning about the significance of the poppy when he was a child.
“Everyone used to buy a poppy - they used to cost one penny back in the 1960s,” he said.
Mr MacMillan (70) - who is part of an informal group, Highland Veterans, who meet weekly for a coffee and chat - said it was important to observe Remembrance events.
“It is all about remembering the fallen from World War I right up to the present day,” he said.
Shopping centre manager Chris Kershaw said: ‘The poppy installation at the Eastgate Centre is a powerful symbol of remembrance, bringing the community together to honour those who served.
“This display creates a reflective space for people of all ages to connect with history and each other, fostering unity and compassion.
“The Eastgate Centre is proud to host this meaningful installation which will be its last year being used.”
