Thirteen members of the Reserve Forces and three Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) have been recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant for the City of Edinburgh for their exceptional contributions to both the military and civilian communities.
Hosted at Edinburgh City Chambers on Tuesday 6 December, the event saw recipients receive Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service signed by His Majesty the King’s representative for the City of Edinburgh, the Right Honourable the Lord Provost Councillor Robert Aldridge.
‘I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations and thanks to this year’s recipients of the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service,’ said the Lord-Lieutenant in an official statement. ‘Edinburgh is so proud of its Armed Forces community and boasts more than 800 Reservists and 700 Cadets. These certificates are the city’s way of celebrating the exceptional contribution these individuals make every single day.
‘Reservists go above and beyond in their commitment not just to their units, but also to their local communities. The wealth of skills and experience that they bring to both their Defence and civilian roles are increasingly valuable assets in today’s world.’
A total of thirteen Reservists received Certificates of Meritorious Service, presented by Ms Jacqueline Easson, Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Edinburgh. The recipients came from the following local units:
- 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
- 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
- City of Edinburgh Universities’ Officers’ Training Corps (CEUOTC)
- Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY)
- 230 Squadron, 154 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital
‘It’s a major privilege to receive an award like this,’ said Lance Corporal Phillip Heaps from 603 Squadron, who has served in the Army, Naval and Air Force Reserves over the course of his impressive career. ‘I’ve been on five mobilisations in the space of six years, so it’s great to feel like that work is being recognised.’
Awards were also presented to three CFAVs from the Lothian & Borders Army Cadet Force Battalion (ACF Bn), paying tribute to their commitment to providing the best possible Cadet experience for Scotland’s young people.
‘I’m really pleased that I was nominated for this award,’ said Sergeant Instructor Lorna Millar, Detachment Commander of 35 Troop Alnwickhill, Lothian & Borders Battalion. ‘It was my old OC (Officer Commanding) who put me forward for it a couple of years ago. It was unexpected but I’m delighted to be here now and to receive this certificate.’
As well as presenting certificates to Reservists and CFAVs, the Edinburgh ceremony also celebrated the appointment of a new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.
Corporal Glen McIntyre of 21 Troop, Lothian & Borders ACF Bn will assist the Lord-Lieutenant in his official engagements, and will serve as an ambassador for his unit.
‘This is a great opportunity for me, said Corporal McIntyre. ‘It will help me to set an example for the younger generation in the Army Cadet Force and show them how much they can really get out of their teenage years.’
The evening rounded off with the presentation of a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award revalidation to NHS Scotland. Air Officer Scotland Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson presented the award on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to Mr John Burns, NHS Scotland’s Chief Operating Officer. The presentation provided an apt conclusion to a ceremony in which both the Reserve Forces and the National Health Service were hailed for their collaborative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
