An Army Reservist and three Cadet Force Adult Volunteers have been recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran for their outstanding service.
The ceremony, hosted at the Savoy Park Hotel on Thursday 18 July, saw recipients receive their Certificates of Meritorious Service from the Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE.
The annual Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service Awards for Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and the appointment of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are recognised as exceptional honours throughout the Ministry of Defence.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants are the representatives of the Crown for each county in the United Kingdom.
Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, His Majesty The King’s personal representative for Ayrshire & Arran, signed and presented each certificate to thank the recipients for their significant contribution to Defence.
In her welcome address to the attending guests, Sheriff McDonald said: ‘It is an absolute pleasure for me to present these awards here in the heart of the Lieutenancy to people from the area.
‘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.’
Staff Sergeant James Hunter, a Reservist with the Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) received his Certificate of Meritorious Service from Sheriff McDonald following a glowing citation submitted by his Officer Commanding, Major Jonathan Townrow.
‘I’m really pleased to have received this award tonight,’ said Staff Sergeant Hunter. ‘I’ve been a member of the Armed Forces for over twenty years now and I’ve really enjoyed my time with the SNIY, so to get a recognition like this is just the icing on the cake.’
Awards were also presented to three volunteers from West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, recognising their commitment to providing the best possible Cadet experience for young people in their local community.
Captain Jamie McVeigh, a CFAV the Battalion’s Balaklava Company, remarked: ‘It’s a pleasure and a privilege to receive an award like this. I started out in the Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Glasgow and became an adult volunteer after I left uni, so it’s fair to say that Cadets is a huge part of my life.’
As well as presenting certificates to the winning Reservists and CFAVs, the Ayrshire & Arran ceremony also celebrated the re-appointment of three Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets. Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Derek Bunten of West Lowland Battalion, Cadet Lance Corporal Evan MacKinnon of Irvine Sea Cadet Corps and Cadet Warrant Officer Evan McLaughlin of 137 (Ayr & Prestwick) Squadron RAF Air Cadets have all had the privilege of being appointed to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in her official duties for two consecutive years – a privilege that is testament to their diligence and dedication in the role.
Cadet Warrant Officer McLaughlin said of his appointment: ‘It’s been an incredible experience to serve as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. I’ve been lucky enough to attend some very special events with Sheriff McDonald, including the Royal Garden Party which was a particular highlight for me.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said of this year’s winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Ayrshire & Arran.
‘It is often said that our Reservists and volunteers are “twice the citizen” – committed to serving our Nation and their communities on top of their everyday jobs and personal lives. It is a tall order, and those who have received Certificates of Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in this respect. Their respective units and organisations have all benefited from their skills, determination and selflessness. They are a credit to the Defence community and the Nation. Thank you and well done.’
