I WOULD like to tell people about how important it is for children to learn how to plant poppy seeds.

Having been appointed President of the Ribbon of Poppies project I was honoured to recently spearhead the creation of a Garden of Remembrance at the Scottish Parliament, where virtually every Scottish MSP from across the parties gathered together and sowed Poppy Seeds on the soil in order that they flower into red Field Poppies in time for Remembrance.

This will form a permanent reminder of those who sadly fell in defence of the United Kingdom and its Sovereignty, not only in The Great War and WWII but in all major conflicts throughout the world.

It is an absolute privilege and honour to become President of the Ribbon of Poppies. This is a truly wonderful way to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Sovereign and Nation in all Wars and Conflicts.

I would like to encourage all adults to show children how to plant their Poppy Seeds and to have that first conversation about why it is important to remember the fallen and never forget their sacrifices.

I recently invited my colleagues at the Scottish Parliament to assemble together and plant our Poppy Seeds in a specially-created space in the front gardens of the Scottish Parliament.

With this space, we now have a Remembrance Garden in which to plant and nurture Poppy Seeds each year.

I would also encourage everyone from all Community Groups, Clubs, BBs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Army Cadets, Air Cadets, Naval Cadets, Organisations, Sports Clubs, Associations and Businesses to come together and plant Poppy Seeds right across the U.K.

If their names are spoken, they will never be forgotten and through this; our children can be taught tolerance and respect.

We can imagine how many Poppies would be blooming in the summer months, so every time we see a Crimson Poppy; we are able to think of those who gave their lives during both the Great War and World War II as well as worldwide for the protection of the personal liberty and free speech that we all now enjoy and take for granted each day.

ALEXANDER STEWART MSP,

Ribbon of Poppies President.