Trump Turnberry is supporting Poppyscotland’s ‘Light Up Red’ campaign to commemorate 100 years since the signing of the Armistice that led to the end of the First World War.

Standing at 24 metres high, the resort’s iconic Lighthouse will be lit up red from 5-11 November as part of the annual campaign in recognition of the First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed the world forever.

The renowned hotel served as a military air base during The Great War because of its strategic coastal location. The waving greens and dunes were levelled to make way for airstrips, hangers and huts. There, the Royal Flying Corps trained pilots in the arts of aerial gunnery and combat and the wounded convalesced at Turnberry Hotel. Turnberry at war was a far cry from the pleasure park it had been during its grand and glorious decades.

The Herald: Planes at Turnberry Lighthouse Planes at Turnberry Lighthouse

In World War 2, the hotel was again used as a hospital, and the courses were transformed into a Royal Air Force flying school.

Ralph Porciani, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, said: “We are proud to support Poppyscotland in the ‘Light Up Red’ campaign to shine a light on the fantastic work they do.

“Turnberry is steeped in history from WW1 and WW2. While it was under the command of the Ministry of War, the railways were nationalised and it was feared that the thousands of tonnes of concrete spread across its hills would spell the end of Turnberry.

“We still to this day have a memorial to honour those lost on the hill overlooking the 12th green of The Ailsa, and the remains of the runways are still clear to see.”

The Herald:

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: “It’s fantastic to know that Scotland is Lighting Up Red once again for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. We continue to be amazed by the support from across the country and we have already received the support of around 120 landmarks that will ‘Light Up Red’ throughout Scotland.

“This year is even more significant than usual, though, as we commemorate 100 years since the signing of the Armistice that led to the end of the First World War. For that reason, we feel that this year’s ‘Light Up Red’ campaign is just as much about local communities – and their desire to say ‘Thank You’ – as it is our seminal buildings.”