Moray MP Douglas Ross says it was “fantastic” to visit Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
During his visit to the factory in Edinburgh, Douglas met with veterans who make thousands of poppies and wreaths each year at the factory and they are particularly busy right now ahead Armistice Day on November 11th and Remembrance Sunday the following day.
He also met with Poppyscotland’s Director Austin Hardie who explained more about the work of the charity and the work they do all year round to support current and former members of the Armed Forces as well as their families.
Douglas also heard about Poppyscotland’s successful campaign to include a question on military service within the census, which will allow them to deliver more focused support to the Armed Forces community.
He says this will be “invaluable” in his own Moray constituency which is home to both RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It was fantastic to have the chance to visit Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
“They do fantastic work all year round to support our Armed Forces community and their families, but particularly at this time in the run up to when we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with veterans responsible for making poppies and wreaths all year round and I’m grateful to them - and other members of the team at Poppyscotland – for taking the time to meet with me at this extraordinarily busy time for them.
“It was good to get an update on the successful campaign Poppy Scotland ran to ensure a military-based question was included in the census, which is a real boost for their work in supporting the Armed Forces community.
“I know that positive change will be keenly felt in my own Moray constituency which is proud to be the home of RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks and so many families with relatives in the Armed Forces.
“It will be a privilege to once again pay tribute locally in Moray on Remembrance Sunday and I hope to have the opportunity to visit Poppyscotland’s factory again soon.”
Austin Hardie Poppyscotland’s Director added: “It was great to spend time with Douglas and his team to discuss our ongoing priorities and to provide a detailed overview of the work we are doing to ensure that the Covenant Duty is fit for purpose.
“We also discussed our anticipation for the release of Scotland’s Census data, in which, for the first time, there will be accurate and pinpointed data regarding our Armed Forces community in Scotland.
“This will allow us to enhance and tailor our support to meet the agile demands of our Armed Forces community, which is a direct result of our successful campaign to include a question on military service within the Census."