Thursday 6 December was a parade evening with a twist for the Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers at 2535 (Livingston) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) as they hosted not one, but two Lord-Lieutenants at their unit in Craigshill, Livingston.
Three CFAVs, each with their own current and past connections to 2535 Squadron, received Certificates of Meritorious Service – two from Ms Moira Niven MBE, the Lord-Lieutenant for West Lothian, and one from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant for Midlothian.
The Lord-Lieutenants took a moment with each recipient to personally congratulate them on their exceptional dedication to the Air Cadets over the course of their careers. They were also quick to praise the three CFAVs for always going above and beyond with the time and care they give to providing the best possible Cadet experience, whether through the additional training and qualifications the volunteers undertake, or the various and exciting exercises they co-ordinate to challenge and inspire the young people in their charge.
‘It’s a great honour to receive this award,’ said Squadron Leader Russell Paton, Section Commander of South East Scotland Wing ATC. ‘When the citation was being read out I couldn’t actually believe I had done that much over the years! It’s just such a huge pleasure to see Cadets coming in every year as young kids and leaving as mature, confident young adults.’
As well as presenting Certificates of Meritorious Service to the three CFAVs, the event in Livingston also saw the appointment of two new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets – one for West Lothian and one for Midlothian. Cadet Sergeants Jake Burnside and Eilidh Howard, both of Lothian & Borders Army Cadet Force, will support their respective Lord-Lieutenants in their official engagements, and will serve as ambassadors to their Battalion.
As the evening drew to a close, the Lord-Lieutenants and guests were keen to thank their hosts at 2535 Squadron for their hospitality and their efficiency in helping to set up the event.
