In recent years, the four million poppies sold in support of disabled ex-servicemen by the charity Poppyscotland (formerly the Earl Haig Fund) have had sharp pins to allow them to be fixed to clothing. But for "health and safety" reasons and to save money, the poppies this year will have plastic stems or will be "stick-on" items. It was argued that the sharp pin used to keep the poppy in place was a safety hazard. In addition, the pin was the most expensive part of the poppy - and the charity makes more than 4 million of them each year in Edinburgh. The poppy appeal and the sale of merchandise raises over £1.5 million - an amount that keeps rising each year as the traditional poppy appeal is said to be more popular than ever.
