On Monday 8 September Royal Gun Salutes took place throughout the UK to celebrate three years since HM The King’s Accession to the throne. In Scotland, the 21-gun salute was fired from the busy grounds of Edinburgh Castle, whose visitors for the day included Lowland RFCA and a number of Forces-friendly employers.
The proceedings began with a reception in the Officers’ Mess, where the Lowland RFCA team and their guests took the opportunity to network with each other. The gathering included a range of businesses and community organisations, many of whom either work directly in or have connections to the cyber and space sectors, including Skyrora, Craft Prospect and a number of local universities.
Once everyone had had a chance to meet and enjoy a cup of tea or two, a warm welcome was delivered by Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO, Governor of Edinburgh Castle. This was followed by a brief address from Captain Matt Major of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Army Reserve unit charged with firing the 21-gun salute, supported on this occasion by members of the United States National Guard.
As part of his address, Captain Major outlined the history of the Royal Gun Salute, including its origins within the Royal Navy, and offered some insights on the L118 Light Guns that are used for modern-day salutes.
As midday approached, the guests moved outside, where several visitors to the Castle had already gathered to watch the proceedings. While Reservists from 105 Regiment prepared the guns for firing, the salute was taken by Lowland RFCA Chair Air Commodore James Linter OBE, on behalf of Air Officer Scotland.
At twelve o’clock sharp, the silence that had fallen among the crows was broken by the steady rhythms of the L118 guns being loaded, fired and reloaded. Once all 21 rounds had been successfully discharged, Air Commodore Linter was invited to review the Gunners and join them for formal photographs.
Moving back into into the Officers’ Mess, the Lowland guests assembled in the beautiful surroundings of the Oak Room for the presentation of the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award to five organisations that have pledged their support to the Defence Community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The new signatories were:
- The University of Edinburgh
- The University of Strathclyde
- The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
- KW Property Sales and Management
- Samtaler
‘I’m delighted to have received the ERS Bronze Award as part of such a prestigious occasion and in such a stunning venue,’ said David Todd, who accepted the award for KW Property Sales and Management. ‘It’s a privilege to be here today and to have met so many other Forces-friendly organisations.
‘We very much look forward to continuing our support for the Armed Forces Community as part of our ERS journey.’
HR Director Sarah Carter was equally pleased to see her own organisation receive such a recognition, commenting: ‘The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is proud to support colleagues who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.
We’re committed to fostering a workplace that recognises and values their unique contributions. As part of this commitment, we offer a range of support to members of the Armed Forces Community, including flexible leave and tailored recruitment assistance.
‘As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we continue to work closely with external organisations to ensure best practice in supporting those who serve.’
