The poppy has been a symbol of remembrance since 1921 when Field Marshal Earl Haig, who commanded British forces during World War I, was horrified by the lives facing his men after the conflict.

Since then, the poppy has been used by thousands across the UK as a way to reflect on the soldiers lost and as a way to appeal for donations to help those still living.

However, poppies are not the same across the UK with those in Scotland being distinctly different from those in England and Wales.

How and why are Scottish poppies different?

Glasgow Times: Canva - Why are Scottish poppies different?Canva - Why are Scottish poppies different? (Image: Canva)

While the 'UK' and Scottish poppy are similar in that they are both 'blood red' they share a couple of distinct differences.

The Scottish poppy does not have a green leaf and has four-lobed petals compared to England and Wales' two.

According to PoppyScotland, the inclusion of green leaves and only two lobes would be "botanically incorrect".

It adds that the addition of green leaves would also cost extra money that could be better spent on helping veterans.

Why is the Scottish Poppy Appeal different?

The poppy was chosen as a symbol of Remembrance Day as these flowers were the only ones left on the battlefields of Europe after the war had ended.

In the Poppy Appeals' early years, demand was so high that few poppies were able to reach Scotland.

In 1926, Lady Haig established a factory in Edinburgh to produce separate poppies exclusively for Scotland. By 1956, the Scottish Appeal was registered as a distinct charity.

How much money is raised by the Scottish Poppy Appeal?

Poppy Appeal Scotland is the country's biggest fundraising campaign and raised over £2 million for outreach and welfare work for veterans in 2020.

Find out more on the Poppy Scotland website ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.