#iPlay4Peace 2021

We were delighted to be an official partner of #iPlay4Peace 2021, a global collaboration which saw hundreds of musicians join together on the afternoon of Remembrance Sunday in a spirit of international unity. 

Performers young and old, and of all abilities, were encouraged to download the music and join in at 3pm GMT on Sunday 14^th November 2021. This marked a fitting end to our programme of commemorations for the centenary of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

#iPlay4Peace seeks to encourage discussion around conflict, cooperation and remembrance. Launched in 2018 by Neil McLennan of the University of Aberdeen, #iPlay4Peace has grown in popularity each year.

A stunning new piece of music was composed by renowned Scottish musician Graeme Murray. Where the Poppies Grow Tall was inspired by the tiny red flower that blossomed amidst the devastation of the First World War battlefields and has become an international symbol of remembrance, reflection and hope for a more peaceful future.

While the poppy has its origins on the battlefields of Flanders, it’s roots as a symbol of remembrance is tied closely to Scotland. Field Marshall Douglas Haig, the Commander of British Forces on the Western Front, hailed from Bemersyde in the Scottish Borders and he was instrumental in establishing the Poppy Appeal in 1921, alongside the Royal British Legion Scotland.

His wife, Lady Haig, was also responsible for establishing Lady Haig's Poppy Factory and designing our distinct four-petal “Scottish” poppy.

It is therefore fitting that in the year when we mark the centenary of the Scottish Poppy Appeal and of the Royal British Legion Scotland that the two charities are official partners of #iPlay4Peace 2021.