The 2026 Scottish Poppy Appeal has been marked by the unveiling of a new Poppyscotland bus at the annual Edinburgh Poppy Day today (29 October).
The double deck bus, designed in partnership with Poppyscotland, features a poppy-themed design which will be carried across our bus network to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work on behalf of veterans and their families.
The bus was officially unveiled on Waverley Bridge by JJ Chalmers, former Royal Marine turned para-cyclist who won a gold medal at the 2014 Invictus Games, accompanied by Lothian Buses drivers John Davies, David McKenzie and Alan Lowrie, and Edinburgh Trams’ Engineering Manager, Stuart Mearns, all of whom previously served in the armed forces.
Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams said: “As one of the largest employers in the region, we’re incredibly proud to have many former servicemen and women among our colleagues at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. That gives our longstanding support for Poppyscotland and the Scottish Poppy Appeal a very special significance for us. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Poppyscotland and play our part in raising awareness of the invaluable support it provides to veterans and their families.
“Our buses are seen across Edinburgh and the Lothians every day, so they provide a fantastic platform to share this important message. We hope the new design will encourage people to pause, reflect and show their support for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.”
Free travel
Veterans and active servicemen and women of the armed forces will also be invited to travel on board buses and trams on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day for free this year.
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams employ many former service personnel across the business, and this year those in uniform or with an appropriate form of identification to travel are welcome to travel for free across our network on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (11 November).
Paying tribute
Where safe to do so, bus and tram services across Edinburgh and the Lothians will pause to observe a two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (11 November).
Edinburgh Trams will display poppies in cab windows on their fleet as a mark of respect from 29 October, and colleagues at both operators are invited to wear their veterans’ ties on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day while working.