Armed forces charity calls on places across Scotland to light up in red for Poppy Appeal

An Armed Forces charity is calling on places across Scotland to shine in red to raise awareness for the Poppy Appeal.

Poppyscotland, an Armed Forces charity, is urging buildings across the country to shine in red to raise money for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Last year, the Kelpies were one of almost 200 places taking part in the Light Up Red campaign. (Michael Gillen).

placeholder image — Poppyscotland, an Armed Forces charity, is urging buildings across the country to shine in red to raise money for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Last year, the Kelpies were one of almost 200 places taking part in the Light Up Red campaign. (Michael Gillen).

Poppyscotland is urging businesses, landmarks, and venues to join in on the Light Up Red campaign to show their support for the 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The charity is looking for Scotland’s most iconic structures, from castles and council buildings to statues and schools, to shine red before Remembrance Sunday on November 8.

Nearly 200 locations took part in the campaign last year, including the Kelpies. This year, Poppyscotland hopes to get even more places on board.

For buildings looking to join in, it’s easy to do so. Any structure with external lighting can add red gel filters to its lights and join the display of remembrance.

Leanne Bonner, head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Each year our Light Up Red campaign raises awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal up and down the country, and we know from our Armed Forces community that it means a lot to them to see such a visible show of support and togetherness.

“In 2025, we had had great success across the length and breadth of Scotland, and we hope to build on that again this year. That’s where your community, your business or your organisation can join in.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest fundraising campaign in the country, and it raises more than £2 million each year for the charity which supports welfare work with veterans, serving personnel, and their families.