Eastgate Shopping Centre unveils community-crafted poppy installation

Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness is proud to unveil a unique and moving centrepiece for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal – a striking river of poppies flowing through the heart of the mall.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of local residents, schools, and businesses – with contributions reaching as far as Skye – more than 3,300 hand-crafted poppies have been lovingly knitted and crocheted for the display. These poppies have been carefully attached to camo netting to create a dramatic river cascading from a five-metre-high structure beside Chisholm Hunter.

The installation will be on display from Friday 17th October to Sunday 17th November 2025, offering shoppers and visitors a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity throughout the Appeal period.

This year’s installation reflects the creativity and generosity of the Highland community. From individuals with a passion for knitting and crochet to local schools and Eastgate businesses, hundreds have come together to produce the thousands of handmade poppies that will form this year’s display.

Sarah Purdie, Marketing Manager at Eastgate, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and creativity of our community – from talented knitters and crafters across the Highlands to local schools and businesses. This year’s installation is a true community effort and a real labour of love, and we are so proud to showcase it in support of Poppyscotland. The river of poppies is not only visually striking, but also deeply moving and a powerful reminder of remembrance and the continuing importance of supporting our armed forces community.”

Eastgate hopes the installation will serve as both a place of reflection and a focal point for fundraising, encouraging visitors to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal, which provides vital, life-changing assistance for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

Robin Phillips, Regional Fundraiser Poppyscotland, added: “The Scottish Poppy Appeal is only possible because of the extraordinary support we receive from communities across Scotland. This remarkable installation in Eastgate is a testament to that spirit of togetherness, and we are delighted it will play such a central role in this year’s Appeal launch. Each poppy represents not just remembrance, but also the real, practical support we can provide to those who have served.”

The unveiling of the installation will be closely aligned with Poppyscotland’s official launch activity for the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, ensuring maximum visibility for the campaign. Together, Eastgate and Poppyscotland aim to inspire the Inverness community, and the thousands of shoppers visiting the centre, to contribute to Scotland’s largest annual fundraising campaign.