The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s joint HQ in East Kilbride is supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal’s ‘Light Up Red’ campaign.
The landmark Abercrombie House site is glowing the same colour as the iconic red poppy in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13.
Almost 1000 staff work at the FCDO’s Scottish base, with plans to re-deploy a further 500 jobs to East Kilbride by December 2025 as part of the UK Government’s levelling-up agenda.
Around 300 locations supported Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland’s ‘Light up Red’ campaign last year, including the famous Kelpies near Falkirk, the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and Smeaton’s Bridge in Perth.
FCDO Head of Abercrombie House, Alicia Herbert said: “Staff at the FCDO’s joint HQ are proud to support Poppyscotland’s ‘Light up Red’ campaign to salute and honour the UK’s brave Armed Forces veterans.
“This is our way of shining a light on the Remembrance season and encouraging people across Scotland to buy a poppy and wear it with pride in respect of the fallen.
“Sadly, Vladimir Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has brought the horrors of war back to Europe for the first time in 70 years.
"The UK Government is doing everything possible to help the Ukrainian people – pledging £4billion in military, humanitarian and economic support since February 24.
“The terrible images we see from Ukraine each night are a tragic reminder of the sacrifices British armed forces have historically made fighting for our freedom and country.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal raises over £2million each year supporting members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.
The charity provides services including advice, employment, mobility, respite, housing and mental health support.
Now they are calling for more landmarks in Scotland to take part in their ‘Light up Red’ event in 2022 following the record breaking participation last year.
Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the lights to join in this very visual representation of remembrance.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It’s always wonderful to see so many Scottish landmarks 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."
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