Pupils from five Kintyre schools enjoyed a lesson on remembrance, reflection and hope as Poppyscotland’s Bud lorry visited Kintyre in the lead up to the Easter break.
The mobile museum stopped off at Campbeltown Grammar School, Rhunahaorine Primary School, Carradale Primary and Dalintober Primary, where they were joined by Glenbarr pupils.
Commonly mistaken for a bus, Bud is actually a lorry with an extension which turns it into an engaging micro-museum, classroom and education hub.
The vehicle travels across Scotland sharing the story of the poppy, helping to challenge assumptions and create conversations and keep remembrance relevant all year round.
Guided by learning and outreach officer Catherine Provan and driver Colin Telfer, the Kintyre children toured the museum, where they heard first-hand stories, made paper poppies and learned how the Poppyscotland charity supports former and serving armed forces personnel and their families.
At Rhunahaorine, pupils from the school and early learning centre were joined by Jimmy Robertson and Denis Long from the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Campbeltown branch.
Head teacher Catriona Brown said: “Catherine and Colin told the children all about Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and how it supports veterans and their families. Everyone had to clock in and clock off as if working there.
“The brilliant display of portraits was just like in Harry Potter when they started to speak to one another – it certainly kept the children’s attention.
“Every child got to make their own poppy and were delighted to take it home along with their clocking in card.”
The pupils were impressed by the museum, with Angus Hurd, P1, and Arianna Gilchrist and Naeve McNeill, P3, particularly enjoying learning about how the poppies are made and making their own, while P3 Eilidh Parkhouse, said she “really enjoyed everything”.
Edel Parkhouse, P5, added: “My favourite story was the one the talking pictures on the wall told us – about how Lady Haig made the first poppies.”
P7 pupil Stuart Byers said: “I thought it was good when they told us about the origins of the poppy factory."
Caroline Armour, joint head teacher of Dalintober and Glenbarr primary schools, was delighted her pupils had a chance to see the exhibition.
She said: "The interactive aspects of the workshop allowed pupils to deepen their understanding of the history and significance of the poppy and the commitment of Poppyscotland in its continued fundraising efforts.
“Thank you to all of the team for their lovely interactions with the children – it was such an informative and enjoyable day.”
At Campbeltown Grammar School, the visit proved informative for S3 to S5 history pupils who are currently studying the time around the Great War.
The Poppyscotland team gifted the school packets of poppy seeds, which will be planted in the school garden.
Kerry Crichton, Poppyscotland’s deputy head of learning, described the mobile learning museum as a unique resource.
She said: "We use Bud to educate school pupils of all ages on the history of the Scottish poppy, which is our nation’s iconic symbol of remembrance.
“Having travelled more than 50,000 miles, reaching every local authority in Scotland, Bud has been a part of countless pupils’ educational experience.
“The team thoroughly enjoyed the sessions they held with schools in and around Campbeltown, so much so that we are returning in a few weeks.”
Any school wishing to book a visit can log on at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning/book-a-visit/bud-home for more information.
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