Susan Boyle launched the 2012 Royal British Legion Poppyscotland appeal and is supporting the appeal again in 2014 through interviews and public appearances. Her father, Patrick Boyle, served in the Royal Engineers in World War II (1939-1945), and a grandfather was killed in World War I (1914-1918).

Why the Poppy

The most famous poppy field was in Flanders (the western part of Belgium), and it was there that the tradition of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance began. Following World War I and the battles along the Western Front, poppies grew in profusion in the area. The fighting had churned up the soil, and, since poppy seeds can lie dormant for years, the action was enough to bring to the surface the thousands and thousands of poppy seeds which had been deep in the soil for decades. They then germinated. They bloomed after the war casualties had been laid to rest. As a result, the famous poem, "In Flanders Fields", was penned by the Canadian army physician John McCrae, and ever since has often been read at Remembrance Day services (and ANZAC services in Australia and NZ).

Poppyscotland

Poppyscotland is the leading charity supporting ex-servicemen and women and their families in Scotland. In June 2011 it merged with the Royal British Legion. Each year Poppyscotland helps thousands of ex-servicemen and women, and their families, overcome physical, emotional and financial difficulties. More information can be found here.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity, providing practical, emotional and financial support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. More information can be found here.