Poppyscotland launches call for buildings across the Highlands to Light Up Red in support of Scottish Poppy Appeal in the lead to Rememberance Day on November 13

LANDMARKS in Inverness and across the Highlands will light up for an annual charity appeal.

Dozens of the Highlands and Islands’ most iconic buildings, tourist destinations and businesses are being urged to “Light Up Red” in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

From castles to council buildings, schools to statues, Poppyscotland is encouraging buildings across Scotland to take part in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13.

The charity hopes to surpass last year’s record total of around 300 buildings taking part nationwide, including Ness Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle, Stornoway Town Hall, and St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.

Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Town House, Inverness War Memorial, Cavell Gardens and Lochardil Primary School all took part last year.

Austin Hardie, director of Poppyscotland, said: “It’s always wonderful to see so many landmarks across the Highlands and Islands lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal. This is a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visual support for their contribution, past and present.

“We’ve been delighted how this idea has captured people’s imaginations, and are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and other organisations.

“Of course, with current concerns over energy costs, we understand that not every building will be lighting up this year. But if they already have external lighting, then we’d encourage them to consider adding red filters in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.”

Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to join Poppyscotland in showing support for the Armed Forces community.

More information about how to participate is available at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, servicemen and women and their families.

Three million poppies, handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, are already on their journey around the country.

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