East Ayrshire residents urged to get knitting for Poppyscotland

Knitters across East Ayrshire are being asked to get their knitting needles and crochet hooks ready to help mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

Poppyscotland and East Ayrshire Council hope that members of the public will create knitted poppies that will be made into a special banner as part of the centenary events.  

Provost Jim Todd said: “This is a wonderful way for East Ayrshire residents to be able to show their support for all those who have proudly served their country.

“I’m sure that the community will really get behind this banner project that we hope to display at the Cenotaph in Kilmarnock in November as part of a range of commemorative events that will be held. It’s so important that we pay tribute to the millions killed or wounded in battle, as well as those who lost their loved ones, and I hope that anyone with any knitting or crocheting skills will get involved.”

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “This is a wonderful effort from the people of East Ayrshire, who are already so supportive of Poppyscotland’s work. We have a strong Armed Forces community in the area and this project will no doubt raise valuable funds which will allow us to help them and their families. And I am quite sure it will look absolutely stunning once it is assembled. I would like to thank everyone for showing their support for Poppyscotland through their knitting needles!”

Poppy knitting patterns are available on the Council website at http://eac.eu/a8 or can be collected from Council HQ reception, London Road; Rothesay House reception, Cumnock, or Poppyscotland, 44 King Street, Kilmarnock. Finished poppies should be dropped off at the same locations by Friday 28 September.

For more information, call 01563 598000.

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