Poppyscotland’s Bud the truck to help explore importance of remembrance

A new project that aims to explore remembrance using an 18-tonne mobile museum has been launched.

Bud the truck will travel across Scotland visiting schools and diverse communities, acting as a learning space.

The Poppyscotland initiative will feature exhibits including historical artefacts, displays and the stories of veterans and their families.

Mark Bibbey, chief executive of the charity, said: “At the heart of every poppy is a person’s unique emotions, opinions and stories, and that’s why we created Bud.

“This is not about imposing a particular view on visitors – quite the opposite in fact.

“Through contemporary conversations about the poppy and our heritage, we hope to better understand the significance of remembrance and its importance to society.

“We aim to challenge assumptions and create conversations, and, ultimately, engage a more diverse audience.”

It is hoped the mobile museum will help interpret the heritage of the poppy and enable groups to share a contemporary understanding of remembrance, the nature of conflict and the poppy’s role in modern Scottish society as a symbol.

The first people to have an opportunity to visit Bud were pupils from St Denis’ Primary School in Glasgow.

Head teacher Louise Mackie said: “The pupils have really enjoyed their time on Bud.

“We have previously made use of the excellent Poppyscotland learning materials in the classroom and will continue to do so but being able to deepen their understanding of the poppy and remembrance in such an interesting way has been fantastic.”