Chief Executive’s Welcome
Welcome to this jam-packed autumnal edition of LQ. The ongoing Strategic Defence Review, expected to report in ‘the first six months of 2025’, will determine the immediate future of UK Defence. More Reserves? New (or old) roles? More investment in the Cadets? There’s a lot riding on the Review and much of it will determine our work in the Association. Despite – or perhaps because of – the uncertainty around us, Lowland Reservists and Cadets have been training hard. I was especially heartened by the zeal and professionalism of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron RAuxAF when I saw them training in the Kielder Forest in September. So ably supported by our Professional Support Staff, the Cadets too are making the most of the life-changing ‘Cadet Experience,’ bettering themselves and our country at the same time. All of which behoves us at Lowland House to match our Reservists’ and Cadets’ commitment and to devise and deliver better infrastructure, better employer support and better communications, all underpinned by sound business and financial management. This we are doing: we have launched an Infrastructure Review for the Army and RAF cadets as well as a project to better support Cadets (and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers) looking for civilian employment opportunities. The Lowland RFCA Board approved the first tranche of infrastructure projects on 30 October with more to come in January.
The Association has said farewell to a number of stalwarts this past quarter but welcomed Col Don Young and Col Chris Harrison (respectively Hon Cols E and A Sqns of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry), Peter Reid (former Head Teacher Broxburn Academy) and Col Tony Phillips (former Deputy Commander HQ 51 Bde). Sir Hew Strachan has kindly agreed to remain a member of the Association, having handed over his duties as Lord-Lieutenant of Tweeddale to Catherine Maxwell Stuart. Air Commodore James Linter has taken over as Chair of the Board from Captain Andrew Cowan RNR to whom we said thank you and farewell in Glasgow in early October.
Thank you for your support and please share this LQ with your networks. The articles that follow will inform, impress and inspire you.
‘More Johnny English than James Bond’… An Interview with James Linter, Our New Chair
Our new Chair took the reins this autumn and we couldn’t wait to take the opportunity to find out more about him. Meeting at the New Club in Edinburgh, Lowland’s Kate had the privilege of grilling James about his time in the Forces, his Cadet experience and to discover what makes this Chair tick. Click here to read the interview.
Gold and Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Awards 2024
October saw us host not one but two Employer Recognition Scheme Award events. 21 employers picked up their Silver Awards at the City of Glasgow College. Presenting the certificates on behalf of the Defence Secretary was the Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC. Just weeks later we celebrated the Gold Awards at Edinburgh Castle where fourteen employers received their certificates from Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO. To find out more about the Golds, click here. To find out more about the Silvers, click here.
ERS Media and Networking Breakfast
Lowland’s Comms Team were delighted to host the inaugural Employer Recognition Scheme Media and Networking Breakfast on the morning of 18 September at Edinburgh Castle.
The guest list for the event included the publicists (Heads of Marketing, Comms, PR etc.) from each of this year’s ERS Silver and Gold winners, inviting them to a workshop on how best to publicise their amazing win. Read more about the event here.
Duns Armed Forces Covenant Event
On Saturday 14 September Streets Ahead, a Borders-based charity that supports people with learning disabilities and mental ill health, was presented with its Bronze ERS Award.
The presentation took place at Southfield Community Centre in Duns, where Streets Ahead hosted a coffee morning for the community.
Support for the event came courtesy of Lothian and Borders Battalion’s 2 Platoon, who lent a hand with the Streets Ahead raffle and showed off their skills in activities laid on by visitors from 51 Brigade’s Army Engagement Team.
Visiting 603 Squadron in Northumberland
On Wednesday 11 September Lowland RFCA visited 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT) in Kielder Forest, Northumberland.
During the visit, which included representatives from Forces-friendly employers and a number of VIPs from within the Royal Air Force Reserves, the troops from 603, joined by colleagues from 2622 (Highland) Squadron showcased their incredible resilience and ability to work confidently as a team as they were put through their paces on a series of patrol and triage exercises.
London Calling… 603 Parade new Standard at the Tower of London
On Saturday 5 October Reservists from four Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) squadrons paraded before Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ranald Munro, Commandant General of the RAuxAF, in a ceremony at the Tower of London, during which each squadron was honoured with the presentation of a Standard. Speaking in a GB News interview about the Standard Presentation Ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Munro commented: ‘The consecration of a new Standard is a very important event within the Royal Air Force. These Standards encapsulate the spirit of the Squadron, and the fact that we have never had four in one ceremony and have never paraded at the Tower of London before made it all the more special.’
Stateside for Army Reservists on Exercise Northern Strike
Reservists from 278 Lowland Battery and 154 Scottish Regiment RLC recently travelled to Michigan to take part in Exercise Northern Strike: a two-week annual camp bringing together Reservists from several NATO countries and offering them vital training opportunities. 
With over 6000 participants from around the world, Northern Strike enables UK Reservists to hone skills on unfamiliar terrain and to share knowledge with international partners.
When considering the partnership between nations, a representative for the Oklahoma National Guard said: ‘The shared experiences and mutual learning on the ground ensure that when we operate together, we do so seamlessly – proving that our strength is multiplied when we stand united.’
Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates 2024
The Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service are presented annually to Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and employees of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Associations, and are recognised as coveted honours throughout the Ministry of Defence. This year’s recipients have now been revealed and you can find the full list here.
Employers Visit Cadets on Summer Camp
On Wednesday 31 July 20 Forces-friendly organisations from the Lowlands, along with 5 from the Highlands, came to Barry Buddon Training Centre to meet with members of West Lowland Battalion during their annual camp.
During their visit, the employers were treated to a series of inspirational talks from Cadets and CFAVs, followed by some fun in the sun as they tried their hands at command tasks and teamwork activities.
For the second half of the day, the employers set up stands in the Barry Buddon dining room and invited the Cadets to chat with them about the many career options that would enable them to put their skills and qualifications to good use in the future. Find out more here.
The Olympics Come to Paisley
Paisley Sea Cadets finished off the season with a hotly anticipated Water Olympics. Somewhat competitively, the Cadets battled it out in raft-building, canoe racing and a plethora of other water sports. Few things make you hungrier than being on the water, which made a splendid BBQ the perfect end to the day. What a fun way to spend your weekend and well done to those of you who took home medals!
Our Highlight Reels…
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
