The Reservists at HMS Dalriada and HMS Scotia enjoyed a particularly eventful Burns’ week at the end of January as they played host to a very special guest.
Commander Maritime Reserves Commodore Mel Robinson CBE ADC spent the week visiting both of the Royal Naval Reserve units, engaging in demonstrations, conversations and some good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality.
The HMS Dalriada visit offered up a packed itinerary including demonstrations of core naval skills that ranged from damage control and firefighting to weapons handling.
The Commodore also enjoyed an opportunity to hold a fireside chat with Officers and Senior Rates (enlisted sailors), with discussion topics covering how best to drive forward as a unit and how to continue delivering operational capability to the Royal Navy post-pandemic.
Following a short awards presentation for members of the Ship’s Company, the evening rounded off with the Commodore receiving a commemorative Dalriada tartan, as well as a Royal Navy tricorn hat cake.
The Ship’s Company at HMS Scotia were also keen to offer some first-class Scottish hospitality to Commodore Robinson, teaming up with their colleagues at HMS Dalriada to host a traditional Burns’ Supper in honour of Scotland’s most beloved poet.
The arrival of the Commander Maritime Reserves also happened to tie in with the arrival at HMS Scotia of a new Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), an eagerly awaited asset that will enable Reservists from both Scotia and Dalriada to carry out sea boat training and gain RYA (Royal Yachting Association) qualifications. With such fortunate timing for the two arrivals, it was only fitting that the Commodore accompany Scotia’s Commander Wellington and Dalriada’s Commander Howarth aboard the new RHIB as they took it for an inaugural spin around the Firth of Forth.
To find out more about the many exciting opportunities available through the Royal Naval Reserve, click here.