Seventeen Lowland-based organisations have been awarded an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence, acknowledging and thanking them for their support of the Armed Forces Community.
The recipients were:
- A S Scaffolding (Services) Ltd
- City of Glasgow College
- CTH Auto Services
- Defence Gardens Scheme (CIC)
- DMi Fire & Security Ltd
- East Renfrewshire Council
- Foresite Reactive Maintenance Services ltd
- Gallacher Roofing
- iSafe Homes Ltd
- Ready Construction Limited
- Scullion Law Ltd
- South Ayrshire Council
- South Lanarkshire Council
- SW Global Resourcing
- Taylor Bowls
- Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort
- Veterans Housing Scotland
A total of 202 organisations were recognised by the UK Government in 2025 for their exceptional support towards Defence personnel, both within their organisations and their communities.
Representing the highest badge of honour from the Ministry of Defence, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award identifies businesses that employ and support those who serve, those who have served, and their families.
This year organisations of all sizes, from all sectors and from across the UK have been successful. Just a few of the industries represented this year include local authorities, engineering, construction, non-profit and hospitality.
To receive the ERS Gold Award, candidate organisations must demonstrate that they have supportive policies in place for Defence people, which includes: Reservists, Regulars, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, spouses and families.
Presented by His Grace the Duke of Hamilton, who is also the Honorary Air Commodore for 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, each of the Lowland-based recipients received their Gold ERS Awards in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday 30 October.
Addressing the award winners and other distinguished guests, the Duke commented: ‘By supporting veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadet youth, your businesses and organisations are building resilient communities, leading by example and helping to shift attitudes and raise standards across your sectors.
‘Given the various social and economic challenges facing the United Kingdom today, your decision to commit in the way that you have to the Employer Recognition Scheme is all the more impressive. In return, you benefit from the values, standards, training and resilience that military service brings, for the betterment of your organisations, of your industries, and of the UK society as a whole.’
On winning the award, Kevin Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Housing Scotland, said: ‘We are honoured to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, recognising our unwavering commitment to veterans and their families. At VHS we believe safe, secure housing is the foundation for a dignified life after service.
‘We are proud to count so many members of the service family within our own team.’
Brigadier (Retired) Robin Bacon, Chairman of Defence Gardens Scheme (CIC) was equally delighted by the recognition for his organisation, commenting: ‘Defence Gardens is proud to receive the MOD’s Gold Employer Award. This recognition marks our fifth year of support to the Armed Forces Community.
‘DGS employs veterans, Reservists and spouses so that we can truly understand and respond to the needs for health and wellbeing support. We are currently responding to a significant uplift in demand for our services, and this award is a tribute not only to the DGS team who work tirelessly to deliver evidence based nature based therapy across the UK, but also to our now established garden delivery partners and practitioners who share in this award.’
To find out more about getting involved in the Employer Recognition Scheme, click here.
