Veterans’ stories.

Got your bunnet? Kilt? Check!  Join the gang of the 51st Highland Division as they travel to France in 1940! Discover what the brave men of the 51st Highland Division endured and sacrificed as well as hear some wise words from a very special St Valery Prisoner of War. #StValery80  

Remember Grampian TV? Watch this 8-minute clip from their highly engaging 1980 documentary, ‘St Valery: Last Post for the 51st’. St Valery survivors tell their stories: “It was like a bee trying to sting an elephant. That’s my opinion anyway. We had no chance.” #StValery80.

The Poppyscotland Learning team are extremely pleased to present our new short film ‘Paper Poppy Story’ (2019) created by award-winning Animation Film Maker and Paper Artist Eleanor Stewart. This engaging film aimed at Second and Third Level learners and above tells the story of how the Poppy became the symbol of remembrance around the world. […]

A recording of ‘Tha ar n’ainm ard air Menheim’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘An Eala Bhan’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Hallowe’en’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Keep Right on to the End of the Road’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘I Don’t Want to be a Solider’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Pack up your Troubles’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Tipperary’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A recording of ‘Geordie McCrae’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018.

A short video in which Dr William Kenefick provides an overview of the impact that WW1 had on the political landscape.

A short video in which Dr William Kenefick and Trevor Royle discuss the economic change and difficulties that followed WW1.

A short video in which Trevor Royle and Dr William Kenefick discuss the effect that WW1 had on industry, agriculture and fishing.

A short video in which experts discuss commemoration and remembrance, including the memorialisation process following WW1, and what the future of remembrance might look like. Experts include John Anderson, Dr Ann Petrie, Gordon Michie, Neil McLennan and Dr Iain Donald.

A short video in which experts including Dr Derek Patrick, Neil McLennan and Trevor Royle discuss casualties and deaths during WW1, and the effect these had on Scotland.

A short video in which Dr William Kenefick introduces the topic of pacifism and conscientious objectors and their role during WW1.

A short video in which Dr Ann Petrie provides an introduction to the topic of rent strikes during WW1.

A short video in which Dr William Kenefick discusses the role played by propaganda and the press during WW1.

A short video in which experts discuss the experience of Scots on the Western Front in WW1, with specific reference to the battles of Loos and the Somme. Experts include Trevor Royle, Dr Michael Taylor, Group Captain Bob Kemp, Dr Iain Donald and Dr Derek Patrick.

A short video in which experts discuss what life in the trenches was like during WW1, including the impact of the technology of war (gas, tanks, machine guns, aircraft and artillery). Experts include Group Captain Bob Kemp, Trevor Royle, Dr Michael Taylor and Neil McLennan.

A short video in which experts discuss the topic of recruitment and conscription during WW1. Experts include John Anderson, Dr William Kenefick and Dr Derek Patrick.

A recording of ‘Your King and Country Needs You’ filmed at the live performance of Far, Far from Ypres in Selkirk, November 2018

A short paper animation that highlights the educational resources and materials available through Poppyscotland Learning.

A short film to introduce Sowing the Poppy seed: Poppyscotland Learning.

A short film which follows a Primary 7 class as they tour Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, meeting some of the disabled ex-servicemen who hand-make the poppies and wreaths for the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

A short and powerful film which starts in the fields of Flanders and follows a single poppy from its creation in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, through the fundraising process, finally meeting people who have benefited from the money raised.  

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2012 – our short film education competition. Based on an original script created by Kinlochbervie High School the film uses characters from different periods of time to voice each line of the script with dramatic effect.

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2012 – our short film education competition. A documentary which cleverly relates remembrance in a village in Aberdeenshire to the idea of global remembrance using interviews and local stories.

An animated short film about the journey of the poppy. An excellent introduction to the poppy, remembrance, veterans and Poppyscotland. Updated for 2013.

An animated short film about the journey of the poppy and what it means. Written specifically for very young children this is an excellent introduction to the poppy and remembrance. Updated for 2013.

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2011 – our short film education competition. This documentary film takes the incredible exploits of James Stokes – a little known Victoria Cross winner from the Gorbals in Glasgow – as the starting point for a thought provoking and moving discussion on the nature of heroism by the […]

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2011 – our short film education competition. This charming short film uses period reconstruction, a thoughtful voice over, and poetry to perfectly encapsulate more than ninety years of the Poppy Appeal in Scotland.

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2011 – our short film education competition. Some wonderful research by the filmmakers reveals that an old boy of Dunoon Grammar School – Walter Smith – took part in the famous truce and football games on Christmas day in 1914. This film tells the story of Walter and […]

One of the finalists from Moving Stories 2011 – our short film education competition. Robbie is a normal young man living in Glasgow, but his Gran is worried that he may be making the wrong choices in his life. After Robbie and his pals confront a Poppy seller, his Gran and sister unwittingly bring about […]

This film is a scrap-book of six pupils’ photographs, memories and observations from a trip to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium. A mix of fact and opinion, the piece is a good starting point for debate about the First World War and conflict in general.

A short documentary film detailing the experiences of one veteran who has been helped by Poppyscotland.

A short film showing the main elements of The Act of Remembrance from a service filmed in Edinburgh on 2nd November 2009.

A compilation of footage from the First Gulf War.

Extracts from the Remembrance Sunday service in Glasgow’s George Square on 9th November 2008. Features veterans, readings, The Last Post and wreath laying.

Don’t miss the latest episode of telly’s top talk show ‘A chat with…’ where showbiz interviewer Mr Brad Bradley gets up close and personal with superstar icon of remembrance Miss Poppy Scotland. All you ever wanted to know about Poppy will be revealed! An ideal introduction to Poppyscotland for younger children.

Military Historian, Douglas Scott (1930-2010), on the debate about his grandfather, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.  

Earl Haig (1918-2009) talks about his own experiences of war, The Earl Haig Fund and recent conflicts.

Short promotional film made by Mat Durham for Poppyscotland in 2007. Mat was a 22-year old former soldier when he made the film, who had served three operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An impressionistic short film featuring the often moving reminiscences of a group of veterans from a variety of service backgrounds.

A short documentary film detailing the experiences of one veteran who has been helped by Poppyscotland.

A short documentary film covering all aspects of the history and current work of Poppyscotland as well as aspects of working in a charity or social enterprise.

Footage of The Falklands War including recaptured South Georgia, prisoners, casualties and conflict aftermath.

Footage of Falklands Task Force including preparation, departure and all aspects of life on board.

Mickey Mouse cartoon – ‘Mickey Enlists’.

One of a series of six films, it shows Reginald Foort at the organ console, introducing songs such as ‘Let’s all go down the Strand’ and ‘The Sunshine of Your Smile’. Hilter appears as a worm.

Unveiling ceremony at Paisley Cross of memorial to the dead of the Great War.

Ceremony of the unveiling of the Dunfermline war memorial by Sir Ralph Anstruther.

Address and unveiling of the war memorial, Saltcoats, by the Marchioness of Ailsa, 27th May 1922. Includes difficulty with unveiling. Shots of street parade including Girl Guides, Boys’ Brigade and Scouts.

Ceremony to mark the unveiling of Lochgelly war memorial on the 3rd December 1924.

Footage of the Black Watch at camp and on exercises. Includes colour footage of tank manoeuvres.

Taken at Leith in 1918, the ‘Return to Leith’ film shows the arrival by ship of internees returning from Europe, with the request ‘watch the picture carefully, and see if you can identify anyone’.

Soldiers bound for camp arriving at Campbeltown, together with their supplies in horse-drawn carts and wagons.

VE Day celebrations in Dumbarton.

Parade of war veterans and youth organisations to dedicate the war memorial at Aberchirder.

Home Guard on parade in barracks yard and then on manoeuvres.

Dumbarton prepares for impending war as shown by media. Air raid warning posters are shown.

Earl Haig unveils Peebles war memorial and lays a wreath after inspecting a parade of war veterans. Crowds line the streets to watch. Pipes and drums lead the parade of veterans. Shows young people at the event.

The war memorial in the Borders town of Galashiels is unveiled by Field Marshal Earl Haig.

Unveiling ceremony of the Cameronians ‘Scottish Rifles’ regimental memorial by Field Marshal Earl Haig, in the grounds of Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. Shows crowds and laying of wreaths.

The Armistice Day parade and service at Portsoy war memorial. Shows crowds.

Armistice Day memorial service in Dumfries at the war memorial. Shows crowds at Armistice Day.

Armistice Day service held in Victoria Park, Whiteinch, Glasgow. Parade of veterans and Boys’ Brigade.

Early footage shot in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory.