The poppy became a symbol of remembrance in 1921 when Field Marshal Earl Haig, who commanded British forces during the First World War, was horrified by the lives facing his men after the conflict.

Since then, the poppy has been used by thousands as a way to reflect on the soldiers lost and as a way to appeal for donations to help those still living.

However, poppies are not the same across the UK with those in Scotland being distinct from the ones used in England and Wales.

How and why are Scottish poppies different?

Dunfermline Press: Canva - Why are Scottish poppies different?Canva - Why are Scottish poppies different? (Image: Canva)

While the UK and Scottish poppy are similarly blood red they have a couple of distinct differences.

The Scottish poppy does not feature a green leaf and has four-lobed petals – England and Wales's poppy features two.

According to PoppyScotland, the inclusion of green leaves and only two lobes would be "botanically incorrect".

It adds that the addition of green leaves would also cost more money which could be better spent on helping veterans.

Why is the Scottish Poppy Appeal different?

The poppy was chosen as a symbol of Remembrance Day as these flowers were the only ones left on the battlefields of Europe after the war ended.

In the Poppy Appeal's early years, demand was so high that few poppies were able to reach Scotland.

In 1926, Lady Haig established a factory in Edinburgh to produce separate poppies exclusively for Scotland. By 1956, the Scottish Appeal was registered as a distinct charity.

How much money is raised by the Scottish Poppy Appeal?

Poppy Appeal Scotland is the country's biggest fundraising campaign and raised over £2 million for outreach and welfare work for veterans in 2022.