MILITARY and civilian personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde came together to help launch this year’s Poppy Scotland appeal.

The first poppies went on sale at Faslane’s HMS Neptune Supermess on Wednesday, October 30 with base workers lining up to support the launch.

The poppy will be now available to buy in various locations across the site.

The launch of the first poppies took place at Faslane on October 30The launch of the first poppies took place at Faslane on October 30 (Image: Royal Navy) Captain Elaine Boyd, Captain of the Base, was first in line to buy one of the first poppies on sale in the Naval Base for this year’s appeal.

She said: “It’s an honour to see the One Clyde Community gathered once again to support Poppy Scotland.

“Wearing the poppy today, we stand together in remembrance of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, past and present, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who serve and have served.”

This is the second year that the poppy, made entirely from paper, has gone on sale.

It has taken three years to develop the new plastic-free design, which is more economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment, while still maintaining the iconic four petals of the Scottish poppy.

This is the second year that the poppies are plastic-freeThis is the second year that the poppies are plastic-free (Image: Royal Navy) Around four million poppies are distributed in Scotland by 10,000 volunteers each year.

The money raised by the appeal goes towards providing tailored support and funding to thousands of servicemen and women.

The funds also support vital advice, employment, mobility, respite, housing, and mental health services.

Caption Elaine Boyd was also in attendance to purchase a poppyCaptain Elaine Boyd was in attendance to purchase a poppy (Image: Royal Navy) The poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance since 1921 when the first nine million poppies were made and sold at the request of Earl Haig.

Earl Haig's first poppy factory was in Richmond in 1922 but demand for poppies was so high that very few reached Scotland.

And so, the four-petalled Scottish poppy was born when Lady Haig established a factory in Edinburgh in 1926 to produce them exclusively for Scotland.

Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory is still there today and a team of around 34 disabled veterans produce around three million poppies by hand for the Scottish Poppy Appeal each year.