CalMac helps educate new generation about remembrance

Poppyscotland has drafted in ferry operator CalMac to help them educate a new generation of young Scots about remembrance.

For the last six months, Poppyscotland's Bud truck - a mobile museum - has been inspiring schools, youth groups and the wider public across Scotland to learn more about the history and heritage of the Poppy. 

CalMac is helping them bring veterans' stories to young audiences across its 49 island and remote mainland locations.
 
Poppyscotland's Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie said:
 
'We would like to express our sincere thanks for the support CalMac is providing to Poppyscotland. Reaching remote parts of Scotland is a key objective of Bud and this new partnership with CalMac will ensure that those living in Island communities can share their stories of reflection and hope, and learn more about the history and heritage of the poppy. By the time Bud celebrates its first birthday next May it will have visited all 32 Scottish local authority areas and that simply would not have been possible without the support of CalMac.'

When it reaches its destination Bud transforms into an interactive learning space sharing Poppyscotland's archive, veteran's stories and the poppy's history. A free resource for visitors to explore, it helps to keep remembrance relevant all year round.

The Bud truck aboard the MV Isle of Mull

'Many of our former employees used their seafaring skills in the service of the Royal Navy during both world wars,' said CalMac's Managing Director, Robbie Drummond.

'We maintain a close relationship with Poppyscotland and our vessels are regularly used for commemorations at sea so when we heard about the educational message the project was trying to achieve we were only too happy to help.' 

Bud was made possible thanks to a £731,200 of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a £730,000 award by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds.