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EVENING LECTURE

BEYOND THE POPPY

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF

LADY DOROTHY HAIG

Monday, 8th December

Talk begins at 19:00

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Step into the fascinating history of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and its visionary founder, Lady Dorothy Haig.
 
 

TIME & LOCATION



Date and time: Monday 8th December 2025 from 19:00 – 20:30

Location: The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, EH3 6QE
Ticket type
Price
Club Member
£0.00
General Admission
£5.00


 
 

ABOUT THE LECTURE

Opened in Edinburgh in 1926 to ensure Scotland had its own supply of Remembrance Day poppies, the factory quickly grew beyond its initial purpose. Discover how Lady Haig’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create workshops that employed disabled Scottish veterans, making everything from toys to leather goods.

Learn about her hands-on approach, from driving the sales van across Scotland to bringing an elephant to the factory for publicity. This lecture explores the inspiring story of a woman who not only founded a vital institution but also dedicated her life to the welfare and employment of our veterans.

 
 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Rev Kevin Thompson is an established speaker, and most well known for delivering various shows on Robert Burns featuring his songs and poems and why he wrote them. Kevin is currently president (again) of the prestigious Bowhill Peoples Burns Club and a past board member of the World Burns Federation.

Kevin is also an ambassador for Prostate Scotland and delivers frequent talks (mainly to men) on the dangers of prostate cancer.

 
Dining

Join us 

for Supper

The Abercromby Dining Room is open from 5:30 PM prior to each evening event. Join fellow members or come with friends and make a night of it.

 
Book in for supper
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

06
Feb

The Captain’s Table

The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people.

Member only event

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07
Feb

Six Nations Scotland Screenings at The Royal Scots Club

The Guinness Six Nations Championship is here! Join fellow members and guests to watch every game on our big screens. Book a ticket to secure your seat, and have a burger and pint waiting for you.


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11
Feb

Coffee Morning and Exhibition: Secret Ink

Following the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, The Royal Scots Club invites members and guests to a profound and deeply personal morning presentation that honours the resilience of those held captive in the Far East. All proceeds donated to charity.


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14
Feb

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Join us for a specially curated evening of wine, food and music. Whether you are bringing your dearest loved one, gathering your closest friends, or treating yourself, all are most welcome!


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19
Feb

Members Drinks

A rallying call! Gather with your friends and fellow social members in the cocktail bar for an evening drink and a chinwag on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Guests welcome. Food available for purchase. Attendance is free – all food and drinks can be

Member only event

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20
Feb

G.L.O.W. Gal’s Lunch

Gathering Ladies of Wit. A Royal Scots Club monthly lunch for our ladies and their guests in the Abercromby Dining room.

Member only event

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02
Mar

Evening Lecture: The Secret Lives of Women on the Home Front

Many aspects of women’s wartime activities were excluded from the official records due to illegality, perceived immorality and entrenched sexism. This talk will investigate three main areas of women’s unofficial involvement in aspects of the Second Wo


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15
Mar

Mothers Day Lunch

Treat your mum to a delicious three-course lunch with tea/coffee in our beautiful Abercromby Dining Room for just £36 per person. Book a table of four and mum eats free.* Tables will be available between 12:00 and 14:00 on Sunday 15th March 2026.  *On

Member only event

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18
Mar

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club returns in March and is hosted by a RSC Member. Engage with fellow Club members and chat about a new topic of interest over a breakfast roll or pastry.

Member only event

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27
Mar

Evening Concert: Plaidsong

Join us on 27th of March for an evening presentation and musical performance of ‘Songs of the Scottish Soldier Across 7 Centuries’ by PlaidSong


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06
Apr

Evening Lecture: Scotland’s Choice

Scotland’s Choice: An Evening of Discussion with Times Columnist Magnus Linklater. What does the upcoming Election have in store for you?


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18
May

Author Coffee Morning: Trading Fate

Club Member Graeme Menzies provides a uniquely west coast perspective on the Canadian origin story – explore the event that prevented British Columbia from becoming an American State.


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