Charity’s New Name has Poppy Appeal

The charity that raises funds for armed forces veterans and their dependents revealed an identity change yesterday. Formerly the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, officials at Poppyscotland hope the new name will give the charity a more modern image and make its work more recognisable with the public. The name Earl Haig Fund Scotland will continue to be the legally registered name.

George Douglas, 2nd Earl Haig, the son of the charity’s founder, Field Marshal Haig, said: “After 85 years this part of my father’s legacy to the ex-Service community is still going strong, now under the new name of Poppyscotland. He would be proud the public still support his aims.”

Fund organisers insist the new brand will permit easier identification of the charity’s round-the-year work in fundraising and support for veterans and dependents.

It will not mean a name change for the charity’s largest fundraising activity, the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Johann Lamont MSP, Scottish minister with responsibility for veterans, launched the revamp with Lt General Sir Alistair Irwin, Poppyscotland president, Colonel David Scott, chairman, and Jim Panton, chief executive.

Mr Panton said: “Too few people recognise the link between the Earl Haig Fund Scotland and the Scottish Poppy Appeal. A new identity will help solve that problem.”

Ms Lamont added: “The original name of the charity is held in great affection by many who have served in our armed forces but it is time for a more modern image.”