Poppyscotland’s travelling museum comes to Orkney

Folk in Orkney are being invited to come on board and visit “Bud” Poppyscotland’s travelling museum during its visit to the county.

Bud will be open to community groups and the public on Friday 30 September from 6pm – 9pm, Sat 1 October and Sun 2 Oct 9am – 4pm at Kirkwall’s Great Western Road car park.

Bud will be visiting schools during week days.

This is the first time the travelling museum, which explores the history of the poppy and the role of remembrance in Scotland, has visited Orkney

The 18-tonne truck transforms into an interactive learning space, and will be in Orkney for ten days.

Launched in 2019, exhibits include historical artefacts, interactive displays, and the moving stories of veterans and their families who have been supported by Poppyscotland.

Visitors will have the opportunity to make their own poppy, using the same methods as the team of disabled veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, who hand-produce three million poppies for the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Bud to Orkney for the first time, and have already received a very enthusiastic and welcoming response.

“The aim of Bud is to explore our heritage and invite visitors to reflect on the meaning of the poppy and significance of remembrance to our society. It’s very much about creating conversations, challenging assumptions, and encouraging people to think about what it means to them.

“We hope that Orkney pupils and the wider public will enjoy the chance to learn about our story and try hands-on activities such as making their own poppy. Everyone is very welcome to come along to our community days next weekend, meet the team, and see Bud for themselves.

For more details and to follow Bud’s journey, please visit www.facebook.com/PoppyscotlandLearning or follow @Poppy_Bud on Twitter.