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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


 
 
 
 
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.

 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

03
Apr

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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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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08
Apr

RSC Annual General Meeting

The Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wed 8 Apr 2026 in the Hepburn Suite commencing at 1900.  All Members are welcome to attend and a complimentary curry will be provided for all those attending in person.

Member only event

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16
Apr

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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17
Apr

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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18
Apr

Paint Off Art Battle

The Royal Scots Club and The Edinburgh Drawing School are proud to present an afternoon of live fine art featuring artists Jason Michael Bentley and Alicia Coombs.


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25
Apr

ANZAC Day Lunch

Distance shouldn’t mean a lack of connection. This April 25th, we invite our Australian and New Zealand community—and those who wish to stand with them—to join us for an informal lunch of remembrance and mateship.


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25
Apr

Spring Opening Concert

The Royal Scots Club’s new 2026 programme of music launches with a thrilling and glamorous night at the Opera starring London-based Soprano Inna Husieva (Scottish Opera, Royal Opera House, IFOpera) and decorated Concert Pianist Julia Wallin (Royal Acade


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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.


View event
 
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