On Monday 4 September, the Cadets and adults of Drumchapel-based B Troop Royal Artillery (RA), Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF) received a special guest to celebrate the official opening of their new and improved facility.
Drumchapel’s ACF unit has long been considered a key hub for youth investment. After Lowland RFCA surveyed the unit’s former Cadet hut, a number of maintenance and safety issues were identified. Consequently, the decision was taken to acquire a new building in which the Cadets could learn and have fun safely.
When Drumchapel’s old police station went up for sale in 2017, Lowland RFCA leapt into action in an attempt to purchase it for the ACF, but were ultimately unsuccessful. However, a second chance presented itself when the property’s buyer offered to lease it out, and with funding in place to make the dream of a new Cadet facility a reality, the RFCA Estates team soon set about remodelling the station for its new purpose.
To read the full story on the Drumchapel station refurbishment, click here.
The official opening of the ACF facility was conducted by the Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow, the Rt Hon The Lord Provost Councillor Jacqueline McLaren. Following a short welcoming address by Lieutenant Colonel Donna Laird, Deputy Commandant of Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion, the Lord Provost presented certificates and badges to five Senior G&L Cadets who recently completed their Master Cadet Course, a programme aimed at broadening Cadets’ leadership, instructional and administrative abilities.
Once the formalities were completed, the Lord Provost and representatives from Lowland RFCA were invited to take a tour of the Drumchapel facility, including its spacious drill hall and classroom areas. This also gave the visitors a chance to observe the Cadets as they got to grips with First Aid and outdoor survival techniques.
Colonel Alex McNamee, Colonel Cadets Scotland, said of the new Cadet building: ‘When the old Cadet hut was still in use, the Cadets had to go down a poorly lit path just to reach it. With this new facility on the main road and the incredible set-up inside, the Cadets aren’t afraid to come to it and the attendance numbers have improved considerably.
‘The Cadets also feel that this place is more their own, rather than an old ramshackle hut that’s been around for over 20 years. They’re proud of this building, and I think having the Lord Provost opening the building for them officially will be very special and inspiring for them.’
Lance Bombardier Mason Hunter, a Cadet with B Troop RA, was quick to echo Colonel McNamee’s sentiments: ‘It feels like an honour to have the Lord Provost perform the opening for this building. The new facility is much bigger than the old Cadet hut so we really feel like we can work together more comfortably here, communicate better with each other and achieve great things.’
