The winners of this year’s Poppyscotland learning competition have been announced, revealing a gallery of poppy and history-inspired creativity. Pupils from P5 to S3 were invited to take part in the annual contest, which this year followed a theme of The Path of the Poppy. Entrants designed posters and leaflets to explain the varied history of the flower as an emblem of Remembrance from the 1920s onwards.

The panel of judges, including representatives of Legion Scotland, Fares for Free and Poppyscotland, looked at more than 140 entries from across the country. Katla Longworth, a P7 pupil from Trinity Primary School in Edinburgh, won the Primary School Poster category. 

Her class teacher, Connor McKay, says, “All the children in Primary 7 were fascinated by the history of the poppy and loved having the opportunity to be creative by producing a visual representation of its path through time.

“Katla was very proud of her finished poster, blending an eye-catching design with informative facts about the poppy’s development over the years, and she’s thrilled to have won this competition.”

Meanwhile, Gabriel Detlaff, an S1 pupil at Blairgowrie High School, won the Secondary School Poster category.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, presented Gabriel with his award. Gordon adds, “This year’s competition provided a chance to learn more about the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance in Scotland. Blairgowrie High School have participated in several of our competitions over the years and I was delighted to be able to visit the school to present Gabriel with the final design of his fantastic poster.”

Zlata Parva, of Stonehouse Primary School, also received an award for her leaflet design.

The winning leaflet and posters have been printed into materials which are now available to the hundreds of annual visitors at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. As well as having their designs turned into real products, each winner picked up a £250 Amazon voucher for their school and will also receive a visit from Bud, Poppyscotland’s mobile museum.