Thousands of volunteers raise money for armed forces community on Poppy Saturday

Thousands of volunteers were out in force across Scotland this weekend in the final push for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Known as “Poppy Saturday”, the country’s streets, train stations, shopping centres, and supermarkets were painted red by an army of dedicated collectors.

Veterans, young cadets, and members of the public joined forces to ensure the annual campaign raised vital funds for Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The weekend’s efforts lead directly into Remembrance Sunday, where at 11am, the nation will fall silent for two minutes in a moment of reflection for all those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.

Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager in Scotland, said: “The energy and support we have witnessed – not just during Poppy Saturday, but over the last three weeks across every corner of the country – has been nothing short of spectacular.

“Every single digital donation, coin or note dropped into a tin enables us to continue our support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

“Quite simply, we exist to ensure they are supported every step of the way, and that is only possible because of the incredible generosity of the public.”

This year’s campaign was dedicated to the support network behind every uniform, reminding the public that the sacrifices of service extend far beyond the frontline and ensuring that military families receive recognition and support.

Scottish Poppy Appeal donations go toward providing life-changing financial aid, housing support, employment advice, and mental health services to the Armed Forces community.