21 Scottish employers have received a highly prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence in recognition of their outstanding support for the Armed Forces Community.
- Allied Vehicles Ltd
- Amber Regent
- A S Scaffolding (Services) Ltd
- CTH Auto Services
- DMI Fire & Security
- Foresite Reactive Maintenance Limited
- The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
- Highlander (Scotland) Limited
- Intelligent Growth Solutions
- iSafe Homes Ltd
- Norsk Tactical
- Ocean Winds UK
- Ready Construction Limited
- Scullion Law Limited
- SW Global Resourcing Ltd
- Taylor Bowls
- Trump Turnberry
- The Veterans’ Foundation
- Veterans’ Housing Scotland
- Whitecairn Caravan Park
- ZE Global
Representatives from each organisation were presented with the award at the Riverside Campus of City of Glasgow College, which received its own Silver ERS Award last year at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Presenting the certificates on behalf of the Defence Secretary was the Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC.
Brigadier Muddiman paid tribute to this year’s Silver recipients, remarking: ‘These awards recognise your willingness to not only have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, but also to have enacted the pledges that are made in that document to support the Defence family.
‘We in the Armed Forces know that for you, making those pledges is a business decision, and we greatly appreciate it. In return, we offer you potential members of your workforce that are highly and regularly trained in a wide array of skills.’
The ERS Silver Award is the second-highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support Reservists, service leavers, Veterans and their families.
Each Silver Award winner has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting Defence through services, policy and advocacy. One distinguishing feature of a Silver standard employer is giving any Reservist employees within their team five days of paid or unpaid leave for training.
The employers attending the Riverside Campus event have gone above and beyond with their support through engaging with initiatives such as employing Veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career and providing flexibility for serving Reservists to complete training or go on mobilisation.
Reflecting on their achievement, The Grand Lodge of Scotland’s William Ramsay McGhee said: ‘The Grand Lodge of Scotland was delighted to pursue a suggestion from one of its members to make a commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. In November 2023, we cemented this commitment at an event in Freemasons’ Hall at which more than 100 guests witnessed myself and Colonel Anthony Phillips sign the Covenant.
‘We are very proud to have attained the Silver Award earlier this year, and the process of honouring our pledge has been an enlightening learning curve which has proved to be both interesting and enjoyable.’
Nicholas Scullion, Managing Director of Scullion Law, also said of his organisation’s win: ‘We are an award-winning law firm, known for our expertise and exceptional service. We are passionate about improving lives and making a difference. Offering specialised Military Law expertise for our Defence Community, we are proudly working towards a military-friendly workplace, offering at least five days’ leave for Reservist employees and flexible working arrangements.
‘From court-martial defence to veteran appeals, our services cover a broad spectrum of legal needs, ensuring Armed Forces personnel have a reliable legal partner.
‘We are thrilled to have been awarded the Silver Award in recognition of our ongoing efforts and support towards our Veterans, Reservists, and their families. The award highlights our commitment to providing exceptional legal services and fostering a supportive environment for those who serve.’
As well as presenting the awards to this year’s worthy winners, the evening doubled up as the Lowland RFCA Autumn Association Meeting, bringing together senior figures from the local Reserve and Cadet Forces and Armed Forces Champions from Lowland businesses, councils and universities. Not only did the event give the Association members a chance to catch-up with each other and network with the Silver winners, it allowed them to bid a fond farewell to the former Chairman of the Board, Captain Andrew Cowan RN, and to officially welcome in the new Chairman, Air Commodore James Linter OBE.
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: ‘This year’s Silver Awards recognise the tremendous support that these Lowland businesses and organisations give to the Armed Forces each and every day. All of us in Defence thank you – we couldn’t do what we do without you. Well done all!’
