SCOTTISH shoppers kicked up a fuss when a supermarket was selling English poppies north of the border.
Sainsbury's faced a backlash when it emerged an unspecified number of branches were hit by a delivery error.
This resulted in the English poppy - which have just two petals and a green leaf in contrast to the four-petal version sold north of the border by Poppyscotland - being sent out to Scottish stores.
The Royal British Legion, formed in 1921, purchased nine million red and silk poppies created by American Moina Michael, which had been inspired by the WW1 Flanders Field poem.
A few years later Scotland began manufacturing its own version at the Lady Haig factory in Edinburgh and employed disabled ex-servicemen.
Explaining why there is no leaf on the Scottish poppy, Poppyscotland said: "Apart from being botanically incorrect it would cost £15,000 to make leaves for all poppies – money we feel is better spent on veterans. We might be slightly biased but we think the Scottish poppy looks nicer too."
While Charity Poppyscotland has merged with the Royal British Legion - which operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - the cash it raises is spent on supporting Scot veterans.
Sainsbury's has promised customers that the cash generated would still go directly to Poppyscotland.
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A spokeswoman told the Scotsman: “Unfortunately the wrong poppies were delivered to a handful of our Scottish stores but customers can rest assured that all funds raised will go to Poppyscotland.”
The PoppyScotland factory is staffed by around 40 war veterans, the majority of whom have disabilities.
Twitter user Graham McAslan spotted English poppies on sale at his local Sainsbury’s store in Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh.
He posted: “My local @sainsburys in Edinburgh sells @PoppyLegion not @poppyscotland Poppies.”
The blooper came as Sainsbury's painted poppies on car park bays at 22 supermarkets nationwide, to mark 22 years of partnership between the company and the Royal British Legion.
This is the latest poppy row to hit both countries. The FA has vowed to defy FIFA on Friday and allow England players wear poppies at Wembley against Scotland.
FIFA had blocked England and Scotland players from wearing poppies on their shirts for the World Cup qualifier next week.
Football’s governing body claimed the symbol is a political statement and can’t be used for the Armistice Day game.
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