PICTURES: Ross-shire remembers despite cancellations prompted by coronavirus crisis as Poppyscotland faces biggest challenge in generations
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COMMUNITIES the length and breadth of Ross-shire are showing the sacrifices of current and previous generations aren't being forgotten amidst the biggest public health crisis in living memory.
Landmarks across the county have been lit red in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal as the charity behind it faces its "biggest challenge in generations" because of Covid-19.
The Light Up Red campaign – involving landmarks from iconic Eilean Donan Castle to the quirky Kishorn Selfie Box and war memorials in Dingwall and Muir of Ord – aims to raise awareness of those who have served, those still serving and their families.
The restrictions on the movement of people and dramatic drop in the number of volunteers who usually hand out poppies has led to a huge drop in income for Poppyscotand.
People are being encouraged to take pictures of red-lit landmarks and share them on social media, tagging @Poppyscotland and using the hashtags #LightUpRed2020, #Behindthemalways and #ScottishPoppyAppeal2020.
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland said: “Seeing so many landmarks up and down the country, glowing red in tribute to Scotland’s Armed Forces community past and present, is truly breath-taking. 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in the history of Poppyscotland, but the breadth of landmarks and businesses involved in this campaign shows that Scotland still stands shoulder to shoulder with our country’s service personnel."
He said: "Thousands of veterans rely on our support and we urge the public to donate online and ensure
that their sacrifice is not forgotten.”
Most buildings will be lit until Armistice Day on November 11.
The initiative comes in the week Black Isle activist Ramsay McGhee was handed the Poppyscotland President's Award for his service to the cause.
President Sir Alistair Irwin said that with thousands of people contributing to the charity, "winners really have to stand out from a star-studded cast".
Mr McGhee, a former Highland police chief, Legion Scotland Black Isle branch stalwart and leader of Scotland's freemasons, has helped raise tens of thousands as an area organiser over the past 14 years.
He declared himself "over the moon" and paid tribute to all volunteers "who year on year have done door to door collections and shop collections". He said: "They have been absolutely magnificent."
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