Poppy placed on Heavy Horse statue

Oct 28 2012

A military veteran has placed a specially-designed poppy on a prominent statue to raise awareness of the Poppyscotland appeal.

The Heavy Horse statue at Baillieston on the M8, the country's busiest motorway, is wearing the remembrance symbol after a visit from 88-year-old Ian Forsyth.

Mr Forsyth, who served with the 15-19th Hussars in the Second World War, said: "I am very pleased to see this magnificent statue proudly wearing a poppy.

"The combination of a well-recognised landmark and an iconic symbol provides a great opportunity to raise awareness and support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal."

The 2011 Scottish Poppy Appeal raised a record £2.68 million and was used to support veterans and their families to adjust from military to civilian life, Poppyscotland said.

It is the second year a poppy has been displayed on the statue. It was created by the sculptor of the Heavy Horse, Andy Scott.