Lowland Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association

Reservists from 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment (MMR) have recently returned from Annual Continuous Training (ACT) in Kenya. Exercise HARAKA SERPENT saw 120 personnel from the Regiment deploy across various locations alongside 8 members of other UK medical units. During their deployment, the Reservists joined counterparts from the Kenyan Armed Forces to share knowledge and to provide medical support to local communities across various locations. Through their deployments and training exercises, Reservists can build up a wealth of qualities such as resilience, confident decision-making, teamwork, and develop a range of specialist skills which they then bring into their civilian workplaces. Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3WC7Zac British Army NHS Scotland NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Lothian NHS Lanarkshire NHS Ayrshire & Arran NHS Borders

Last Thursday we were delighted to host the Ayrshire & Arran Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards ceremony at the Savoy Park Hotel in Ayr. The event saw a Reservist from The Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) and three CFAVs from West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force receive Certificates of Meritorious Service from HM The King’s personal representative for Ayrshire & Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE. In her welcome address, Sheriff McDonald said: ‘Tonight’s award ceremony celebrates all that is best about members of the Reserve Forces, and about the partnership between them, their employers and the Lieutenancy. It also celebrates the significant commitment of the adult volunteers who supervise the Cadets and their positive impact on young people within Ayrshire and Arran.’ Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3LyxLWp British Army Army Cadets UK | Official Royal Air Force Air Cadets Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry

Looking for new ways to challenge yourself? Want to play an active role in supporting and mentoring young people in your community? As part of our Engagement Day at Rothesay Academy Joint Campus on Saturday 1 June, we spoke to Colour Sergeant Paul McIntyre and Captain Jamie McVeigh from West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force to find out what they most enjoy about their roles as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, including the skills they impart to the Cadets, the skills that they themselves have gained as instructors, and how those skills translate across into their civilian jobs. To find out more about becoming an adult volunteer with the Army Cadets, click here: https://bit.ly/46exu4E Army Cadets UK | Official Fyne Homes Ltd University of Glasgow

We had the very great pleasure of welcoming CFAVs, Cadets, local employers and their guests to the Dumfries Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards presentation at The Usual Place last Thursday evening. Fiona Armstrong, who is HM The King’s personal representative for the Lieutenancy of Dumfries, offered warm congratulations to all the award recipients, paying tribute to the ‘significant contribution’ that the Cadet organisations bring to the local and wider communities. The Dumfries event also saw the presentation of two Employer Recognition Scheme awards to local Forces-friendly organisations: a Bronze Award for recent Armed Forces Covenant signatory The Veterans Garden Dumfries, and a Gold revalidation to recognise the ongoing support of Dumfries and Galloway Council. To read the full story click here: https://bit.ly/4cHoiI8 Army Cadets UK | Official Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Monday 24 - Saturday 29 June saw various events taking place throughout the UK to mark Armed Forces Week, thanking Regulars and Reservists alike for all that they do. In the Lowlands, there was no shortage of events and activities to celebrate the hard work and commitment of the Armed Forces Community. For many Forces-friendly organisations, the week began with the raising of Armed Forces Week flags. Armed Forces Week also saw parades with Regulars, Reservists, veterans and Cadets turning out in full force. Additionally, the Lowland Lord-Lieutenants' Cadets were kept busy as they carried out official duties at events in Dumfries, Glasgow and the Scottish Borders, to name just a few. This year's Armed Forces Week also proved to be a special one for Reservists from HMS Dalriada, as they not only hosted an Employer Engagement day on 26 June, but also took part in the Armed Forces Day parade on 29 June in George Square. Click here to find out more: https://bit.ly/45ZGURo 📸: HMS Dalriada, West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, Lothian and Borders Bn ACF, East Kilbride Sea Cadets, Dumfries & Dalbeattie Sea Cadets British Army Royal Naval Reserve Royal Navy Royal Air Force (RAF) RAF Reserves Employer Engagement Royal Marines Reserve

Are you thinking of taking on a new challenge? Would you like to develop your skill set while helping young people in your community to grow and thrive too? Edinburgh Trinity Sea Cadets are currently looking for volunteers to fill a range of roles including: - Cadet Instructors - Vice Chairperson - Trustee Members - Fundraisers As a charity organisation, the Sea Cadets relies on the support and dedication of its volunteers, and offers many unique and exciting learning opportunities to those involved in mentoring and inspiring the next generation. If you would like to find out more about the volunteering roles available, please contact Edinburgh Trinity directly on 07519892218, or email [email protected] You can also learn more about the Sea Cadet Corps by clicking here: https://bit.ly/49Q3vRC Royal Navy Royal Naval Reserve Royal Marines Royal Marines Reserve

Congratulations to the CFAVs and Cadets who received certificates from the Lord-Lieutenant for East Lothian last Thursday evening in Musselburgh. Hosted at the Ravelston House Hotel, the event saw WO2 Chris Gay of Musselburgh Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets receive a Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Lord-Lieutenant for East Lothian, Mr Roderick Urquhart, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Sea Cadet Corps. The event also celebrated the appointment of three new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, who will assist Mr Urquhart in his official duties, giving them the exciting opportunity to attend prestigious events and build an extensive network of contacts. Very well done again to all the award recipients and thank you for all your incredible efforts. 📸: East Lothian Lieutenancy Ravelston House Army Cadets UK | Official Royal Naval Reserve Royal Air Force Air Cadets

During our Cadet and Employer Engagement Day at Rothesay Academy Joint Campus on the Isle of Bute, we had a chat with Jamie Murray, freelance photographer and videographer, Rothesay Academy alumnus and a CFAV with West Lowland Battalion ACF. Over the last two years, Jamie has worked closely with Lowland RFCA on a number of media projects, which led to his signing of the Armed Forces Covenant and receiving his Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award at the Rothesay event. To celebrate the occasion, we asked Jamie what it means to him to receive his award at the school he attended for six years, what he loves most about being a CFAV, and how his media skills benefit both his professional and Cadet roles. Army Cadets UK | Official

On Saturday 1 June Lowland RFCA teamed up with 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland’s Army Engagement Team (AET) to host a Cadet and Employer Engagement Day at Rothesay Joint Campus. The key aims of the event were to showcase the array of personal development opportunities available to members of the Army Cadets, and to celebrate the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by two employers, both represented on the day by West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force CFAVs. Cadets and visitors also enjoyed a chance to take advantage of the sunshine by taking part in a series of team-building activities on the campus grounds. Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/4bKu1wv Jamie Murray Fyne Homes Ltd Rothesay Academy Joint Campus Army Cadets UK | Official

Are you an employer on the Isle of Bute who's keen to support the Armed Forces Community? Are you interested in learning more about becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV)? Are you aged between 12 and 18 and interested in becoming an Army Cadet?   We will be hosting a Cadet and Employer Engagement Event on Saturday 1 June 2024 at 11am within the Rothesay Joint Campus on Bute. The programme will include information about CFAVs, the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, together with fun team-building tasks for prospective Cadets. The event will conclude about 2.30pm and includes a buffet lunch. If you would like to attend please register your interest with Duncan Evans, Regional Employer Engagement Director by e-mailing [email protected] To find out more about volunteering with Cadet organisations, click here: https://bit.ly/4aKn0ue