SNP MSP Michelle Thomson has prompted fury among anti-independence figures after wearing a white poppy with a Yes badge in the centre.
Ahead of Remembrance Day this weekend, the MSP for Falkirk East opted to wear a white poppy rather than the traditional red.
The flower is a symbol for remembering all victims of war, challenging the glorification of war and being committed to peace. It has been worn around Remembrance time by pacifists for many decades, but rose in prominence during the 2010s.
John Mason, a fellow SNP MSP appearing on the Finance and Public Administration Committee on Tuesday, also wore a white poppy with the word “peace” in the centre.
However at the centre of Thomson’s poppy, the traditional blue and white Yes logo appeared.
Conservatives were quick to jump at the chance to attack the SNP MSP, with Annie Wells describing her choice of flower as “appalling”.
The Tory representative wrote: “A poppy is a symbol of remembrance as we commemorate those who paid the ultimate price defending our freedoms.
“I'll be speaking on this later this afternoon in the Chamber.
“Michelle Thomson's crass 'Yes' poppy stunt is appalling. She must apologise immediately.”
Meanwhile, Scottish LibDem veterans spokesperson – and a former Royal Marine captain – Bruce Wilson called the badge an “insult to veterans”.
He went on: “It seems like there is nothing the nationalists won’t slap a Yes sticker on.”
A spokesperson for Thomson told The National that the Yes badge was being used to pin down the poppy after it came apart over the weekend.
“Michelle wore a white poppy all last week; and its message of ‘peace’ is something she strongly believes in," they said.
"Unfortunately, this poppy, being made of paper came apart at the weekend. Upon arrival at committee she asked a colleague for another white poppy and received one – but without a safety pin.
"She used her Yes badge to affix it prior to obtaining another safety pin after committee.
“No offence was intended. Her white poppy, promoting the message of ‘peace’ will be affixed in the usual manner in the Scottish Parliament after committee today”.
