Scottish Rugby And Sfa Join Forces For Special Cause

To mark the 2011 Scottish Poppy Appeal, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this November, ground staff from Murrayfield and Hampden today combined to paint giant poppies on a Central Scotland landmark. The famous grass pyramids on the M8 Edinburgh to Glasgow motorway, near the Bathgate junction, were the location for the inspiring artwork.  Three poppies, each measuring 10m x 10m, will be visible on the pyramids, owned by the nearby Pyramids Business Park, for the next two weeks to raise awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal, run by veterans’ charity Poppyscotland.Jim Dawson, Scottish Rugby’s head groundsman, said: “This was quite a challenge as we’re not used to painting designs on to such steep surfaces! However, we were very keen to get involved to support Poppyscotland and we’re delighted with the result. It’s all for a good cause and it’s a great way to get the message out.”Fraser Bedwell, Poppyscotland’s Head of Marketing, said: “This is a very special year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Ninety years on it is still providing life-changing support to Scotland’s veterans and their families and is needed now as much as ever.”Poppyscotland uses money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal to provide vital support to veterans and their families in Scotland. Many veterans find it hard to make the adjustment from military to civilian life and may struggle with issues such as finances, housing and employment. Peter Dallas, Managing Director at Hampden, added: “The poppy is an iconic symbol and we are pleased to be supporting the 2011 Appeal by creating a display that will help to raise awareness of the Appeal and be seen by thousands of commuters every day.”The paint and machinery to apply the poppy design to the pyramids was provided at a discounted cost by Linemark UK.