Scots players to honour war veterans by wearing poppies

Scottish Premier League players are to wear poppies during this weekend's matches to commemorate those killed or wounded while serving in the British Armed Forces.

The SPL and charity Poppyscotland announced plans of the appeal, which aims to raise 2 million pounds (2.5 million euro) on Monday, at a special launch at Falkirk Stadium.

“This is the first time that every club in the Scottish Premier League will wear poppies as they play during the Poppy Day fixtures and their support is greatly appreciated,” said Poppyscotland chief executive Jim Panton.

Clubs will contribute to the appeal, which helps veterans and their families, by holding poppy collections at stadiums and by selling limited edition poppy shirts.

The Poppy, famed for its ability to grow in difficult conditions, gives its name to the annual appeal organised by the Royal British Legion.

Poppy wreaths are traditionally laid at war memorials around the country on Remembrance Sunday, which celebrates the end of the First World War at 11am on November 11, 1918.