Soldiers from past, present and future have joined forces to launch a bumper new merchandise range to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War…
The Poppyscotland collection, which includes the charity’s first-ever gentleman’s brooch, is available to buy online now and will be available to at 27 aptly named ‘Poppy-up Shops’ across Scotland until November 10th.
To unveil the new catalogue, veteran Ronnie Wilson, a former Queen’s Own Cameron Highlander, and ex-Army officer Stella Bartram, one of Scotland’s foremost fitness experts, were joined by a soldier, and a 16-year-old with ambitions to serve her country.
LCpl Joseva Naycavou took a break from a busy schedule which includes life as part of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), and fixture commitments around the world as a key member of the Scotland 7s squad, to take part in the photoshoot, alongside Cassie Smillie, a member of Kelvinside Academy’s Combined Cadet force.
The Fijian-born forward said: “Comradeship is everything to me, whether it’s in the barracks or on the rugby pitch. During Poppy Appeal, it’s incredibly heart-warming to see people across the country wear the poppy with pride, whether it’s on a brooch, a bag or a badge. Just by doing that, they are making a huge difference to the lives of ex-Servicemen and women.”
This year’s range includes clothing, pin badges, stationary, mugs and bags, with special centenary edition T-shirts and jumpers. Renowned remembrance artist Jacqueline Hurley has also produced a stunning landscape entitled Scotland Remembers, which is available as a limited-edition print, a mug, T-shirt or commemorative plate.
Fraser Bedwell, Head of Marketing at Poppyscotland added: “We are thrilled with how the new merchandise looks, and we can’t thank our ambassadors enough for their help in launching it. Our merchandise is very important in raising the vital funds which allow us to provide life-changing support to the Armed Forces community – those who have served, those still serving and their families.
“2018 is a particularly poignant year for us, as it marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, but the demands on our services are increasing all the time. This new merchandise range is great way for the public to show their support and help Poppyscotland to provide our veterans with the help they urgently need. Those who have served and sacrificed so much deserve our continued support.”
Details of how and where to buy the Poppyscotland merchandise range can be found here.
