Caithness group's poppy displays offer a chance to reflect
The John O'Groats signpost is among the local landmarks decked out with hand-crafted poppies in the latest series of remembrance displays created by Caithness Community Connections.
Every year the community group arranges poppy cascades at locations around the county, encouraging members of the public to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the armed forces and their families.
Other sites featuring displays this year include the railings at Thurso war memorial, Castletown Youth Club, Lybster war memorial, the A9/A99 junction at Latheron, Wick Pipe Band Hall, Thrumster church, Mey village hall and Staxigoe harbour.
What began as a small-scale project now has the group's crafters and friends creating thousands of poppies throughout the year.
Heather Urquhart, coordinator with Caithness Community Connections, said: "At every display, except Thurso and Wick, people will see single poppies either scattered on the ground or placed on railings. These represent the fallen men listed on their local war memorial.
"We are grateful to every community that allows us to attach our displays to their buildings, memorials, railings or trees. Their trust in us to provide a fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives in war is very much appreciated.
"The communities of Staxigoe and John O'Groats have added Tommys to their displays this year, making them especially poignant, and mother nature provided a magnificent aurora backdrop during the week for our John O'Groats poppies.
"John O'Groats will be laying a wreath at the first and last post on Sunday at 3pm.
"Our plan is to stop once we have 11 displays. Anyone wishing to join the small team of dedicated crafters who make our poppies all year round is welcome to join us on a Tuesday morning in various village halls, or we'd be delighted to receive knitted or crocheted poppies.
"We hope when people see our displays that they take a moment to reflect and remember those we owe so much to."
