CELTIC is delighted to announce that it has continued its long-term support of Poppyscotland with a £10,000 donation.

The donation from Celtic FC Foundation will be used to support and deliver educational projects across a diverse faith mix of school communities in Scotland. It is intended that this project will reach hundreds of children.

Celtic has already supported Poppyscotland’s education project called ‘Sowing the Poppy Seed’ which takes the form of an Internet-based project, available to all schools in Scotland.

The project focuses on the key question ‘Why is it important to remember’ and incorporates the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. This year’s donation will allow Poppyscotland to further its educational work with children.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppyscotland is delighted to have the backing of Celtic FC Foundation once again this year. The support we have received over many years has been fantastic and enabled us to expand our important Learning programme, Sowing the Poppy Seed. 

“This provides teachers with a wealth of resources aimed at improving the understanding of the poppy, remembrance and learning lessons from past conflicts. Our grateful thanks go to Celtic FC Foundation for their continued support, which will further enhance our educational offering.”

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “It’s important we play a part in the education process by continuing our support of Poppyscotland by way of this financial donation.

“As we approach Remembrance Sunday it is also important that we take time to remember the victims on all sides of all conflicts across the globe.   

“We have been a supporter of Poppyscotland for many years and we are sure this new educational project, which the charity will deliver, will prove to be very worthwhile.”

Accepting the £10,000 donation at Lennoxtown on behalf of Poppyscotland were Ailsa MacMillan and Yvonne Caddell, while Jim Frew, the grandson of Celtic great, Peter Johnstone, was also there.

Peter signed for Celtic in 1908 and for nine years was a hugely important part of the Club, making 233 appearances, scoring 19 goals. He won four league championships and two Scottish Cups with the Hoops, along with three Glasgow Cups and four Charity Cups.

In March 1916, Peter signed up to the Army, and in May, was recruited to the 14th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and latterly the 6th Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders.

He would play his last match for Celtic on October 7 1916, earning himself another winner’s medal, as Celtic defeated Clyde 3-2 in the Glasgow Cup final.

Just seven months later, Private Peter Johnstone, lost his life during the Battle of Arras, which was fought on May 15-16, 1917, a tragic and true loss to the Celtic faithful.

A dedication to his memory is inscribed on Bay 8 of the Arras Memorial in the Fauborg d’Amiens Cemetery. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of Peter’s passing.