On Wednesday 5 November Reservists and permanent staff at 251 (Ayrshire) Transport Squadron opened the doors of their Reserve Centre in Irvine to several local and international visitors for the evening.
The key objective of this visitors’ event was to showcase the various training, travel and career opportunities undertaken by local Army Reservists, as well as their various Community Engagement endeavours, with particular emphasis on the run-up to Remembrance Day.
Included in the guest list were: the Provosts for South and East Ayrshire, Iain Campbell and Claire Leitch; personnel from 6 SCOTS The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) and the Royal Canadian Air Force; the Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald, and a number of Deputy Lieutenants.
Once the attendees had arrived and enjoyed the chance to mingle and network over refreshments, they were officially welcomed by 251 Squadron’s Officer Commanding, Major Robert Dunlop, who balances his military service with a busy day job as Lowland RFCA’s Senior Estates Manager.
Major Dunlop then kicked off the evening’s series of briefings with a presentation on 251 Squadron itself, including its structure, the range of specialist career and training opportunities available to Reservists within the team, and snapshots of the unit’s recent Adventure Training and Community Engagement activities.
Similar presentations followed from representatives of 6 SCOTS and the SNIY’s Ayr Squadron, and went into further detail on activities such as CAMBRIAN PATROL, an elite training exercise open to all NATO personnel, covering all aspects of military disciplines and boasting a strong Lowland presence every year.
Another interesting feature of the briefings delivered included insights into how both Regular and Reserve Forces are adapting to ever-evolving battlefield technology with courses in cybersecurity and drone operations.
Guests to the Squadron were also pleased to hear from Major Twitchin of the Royal Canadian Air Force, members of which are currently operating out of Prestwick Airport. As well as covering some of their transportation and training duties, the Canadian team spoke fondly of their time in Scotland so far, enjoying opportunities to take part in local civic and Remembrance events and meeting with the Provost of South Ayrshire almost immediately after their initial arrival.
Following a break to top up their teacups, the visitors’ attention was directed from Reservists to Cadets with further presentations delivered by a local Royal Marines Cadet, and by Colonel Graham Dempsey OBE, Commandant of West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force.
The final address of the evening came courtesy of the Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran, who outlined the many and various duties that she and her regional colleagues carry out as representatives for The Crown, including presentation of British Empire Medals and Certificates of Meritorious Service, selecting guests for the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and working with local organisations such as Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).
Sheriff McDonald also praised the local Reserve and Cadet organisations for the work they do within their communities, before closing with a vote of thanks to 251 Squadron and the guest speakers for their hospitality and engaging presentations.
Reflecting on the event, Major Dunlop said: ‘The purpose of this evening’s visit was to conduct a series of informative briefs to enhance awareness for each organisation with the following being presented: 154 Regiment RLC, 6 SCOTS, Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry, Royal Canadian Air Force, Army Cadets and Sea Cadets. All briefings covered military unit structures, functions and current demographics with the golden thread being: “Engage to inspire key stakeholders in the community.”
‘The Lord Lieutenant also provided a very timely update on Lieutenancy support, activities and output across Ayrshire. We would like to thank all of those who made the time to attend.
‘I feel that this was very successful evening for all, and it was fantastic to see that the passion to support our military organisations in Ayrshire continues to thrive.’
