Search is on for school children to bake Queen's 90th birthday cake
Veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh have helped launch a schools competition to design a birthday cake for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The Design a Cake competition is open to primary school pupils from across Scotland in two age groups – P1-3 and P4-7. Pupils are encouraged to be as creative as possible and two lucky pupils will see their designs made into stunning cakes for the Queen’s birthday on 12 June.
The factory was chosen as a charity partner because it too is celebrating its 90th birthday this week.
Since 1926, veterans have been hand-assembling poppies and wreaths for the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, run by Poppyscotland.
During the event, the veterans had a go at decorating their own cake, under the watchful eye of the Royal Yacht Britannia’s confectioner, Pauline de la Cruz.
Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “We are honoured to help launch this competition as we feel it is a fantastic way for young people to get involved in celebrating the Queen's birthday.
It is a fantastic way for young people to get involved in celebrating the Queen's birthday
“It is a special year for us too as we are marking our own 90th birthday. From humble beginnings with two men and a pair of scissors we continue to hand-assemble poppies and wreaths today, firmly sticking to the ethos of employing veterans with disabilities.”
Lynda Dalgleish, head of marketing for Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “We are delighted to be launching this fantastic competition with Poppyscotland, giving primary school pupils throughout Scotland the chance to have their winning creations made into a birthday cake for the queen’s birthday, while at the same time supporting Scotland’s leading charity for ex-servicemen and women and their families."
Judges will choose a winning design from each category and the two winners will be invited to a VIP photo call on board Britannia on 10 June.
They will be presented with their finished cakes, made by Britannia chefs. They will also receive a goody bag and family pass for Britannia, while their respective class will receive a bumper supply of arts and crafts materials.
Packs will be sent to all primary schools in the next few weeks. The closing date for entries is 6 May.
