Chief Executive’s Welcome
A new Prime Minister, a new Minister of Defence, a new Minister for Veterans and People and the long awaited Defence Investment Plan. Too early to tell how any of this will impact on us in Lowland RFCA or on our Reservists and Cadets but we know not to wait for ‘direction and guidance’ but, understanding the national imperative, we crack on and continue to make great things happen for Scotland and the Lowlands in particular. Most of our Cadets are away to camp and enjoying all that ‘camp’ has to offer. We have seen Lothian and Borders Bn ACF and West Lowland Bn ACF in action at Barry Buddon and return once again next week to see Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn ACF. Our intrepid Deputy Chief Executive, David Pettigrew, was up at Boddam near Peterhead earlier this week to see the Sea Cadets being put through their paces. Today’s young Scots are much maligned so it always good to see our Cadets learning skills for life. They enjoy improved social mobility, more effective education, improved wellbeing, enhanced employability and better resilience. What’s not to like?!
Two dates to note:
Capella Edina, Edinburgh’s own philharmonic orchestra, are performing once again at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 15 September. Cadet pipers and drummers will, once again, be showcased which is why I make mention of the concert here. And it is free – but you’ll still need to book your free tickets on line. You can find the booking link in our Dates for Your Diary section below. Book early – 700 tickets have already gone!
Our Association Meeting on 29 September at the Burrell Collection, Pollokshields, Glasgow. An evening jam-packed full of good news: the presentation of the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards, Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards (from across the Lowlands) and the new Lochlie Award for Cadet Force Adult Volunteer training innovation. Plus the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland as well as Cadet pipers and, of course, a chance to tour the world famous Burrell Collection. There’s more besides! Stand by for further information but please save the date now!
I hope to see you all at both events! Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the summer!
Employer Recognition Scheme Awards 2026
We are very pleased to announce that a total of 37 Forces-friendly employers from across the Lowlands of Scotland have been named as recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards, with 19 organisations achieving Silver and 18 qualifying for Gold.
Speaking about the Silver Award recipients, Major General Marc Overton, former Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (MSHQ-ACDS RFC), said:
‘Congratulations to all organisations receiving the ERS Silver Award this year. These employers are making a meaningful contribution to Defence by supporting those who serve, while recognising the enormous value that Reservists, veterans and military families bring to the workforce.
‘As a Reservist myself, I know how important employer support is. The flexibility, understanding and advocacy shown by organisations across the UK enables our people to balance civilian careers with service commitments, strengthening both Defence and society as a whole.’
Similarly, Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MBE MP said of this year’s Gold Award recipients: ‘For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference.
‘These organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I’m incredibly proud to recognise them today, and I hope their example inspires many more.’
Lowland RFCA will host its ERS Silver Awards ceremony at the Burrell Collection on Tuesday 29 September, alongside its Autumn Association Meeting, and the Gold Awards ceremony will take place at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday 15 October.
RAF Reservists Embark on Ex Dutch Courage
In May a number of Royal Air Force Reserve personnel from the Scottish Reserve Support Wing embarked on Exercise Dutch Courage: a trip to the Netherlands focused on historical study, professional development, and remembrance of RAF pilots who served and died during the Second World War.
The exercise included a visit to the National Military Museum, wreath-laying ceremonies at Commonwealth War Graves in Noordwijk and Brummen, and a number of presentations and discussions on topics such as the V2 rocket launch programme, and how missile technology has evolved over the last 80 years.
Corporal Alex Jessop, who laid a wreath for 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, said: ‘It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with the Squadron, to honour our fallen, and to remember the sacrifices they made for our peace and freedom.’
Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards 2026
Along with our recent ERS Awards announcements, it is our great pleasure to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service for the Lowlands of Scotland.
A total of 15 Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Defence civil servants from the Lieutenancies of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, East Lothian, Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire & Arran have been selected to receive this prestigious award in recognition of their dedication, determin
ation and diligence, going above and beyond the call of duty for their colleagues, their communities and their country.
The worthy awardees will receive their Certificates of Meritorious Service as part of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards event at the Burrell Collection on Tuesday 29 September.
Congratulations to everyone who has been named as a recipient for 2026, we look forward to celebrating your outstanding achievement in the very near future!
Armed Forces Week 2026
From 22-27 June, organisations throughout the UK were encouraged to show their support for the Armed Forces Community as part of Armed Forces Week.
Many Forces-friendly employers were only too happy to raise an Armed Forces Week flag at their offices, and to host special events bringing military and civilian staff members together for some valuable knowledge sharing and awareness raising opportunities.
Lowland RFCA enjoyed a strong start to this year’s Armed Forces Week with a visit to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Monday 22 June for an NHS Scotland Celebration of the Armed Forces Community.
Heriot-Watt Hosts Lowland RFCA Annual Association Meeting
On Thursday 14 May, Heriot-Watt University warmly welcomed Lowland RFCA members to its James Watt Centre for the Association’s Annual Association Meeting.
The university currently holds a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award and is deeply proud of its long-running relationship with the Armed Forces Community.
The attending Association members enjoyed a series of insightful and discussion-sparking briefings, including:
- Reflections on time in command by Lieutenant Colonel Doug Bertram, former Commanding Officer of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery and a practising academic at the University of Strathclyde;
- A presentation on the need for a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to Defence in the current political, social and economic climates, with greater awareness and stronger partnerships forming between the military and civilian communities, including within the academic sector. This was delivered by Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, whose distinguished titles include: Director of the Centre for Military Research, Education and Professional Practice at Edinburgh Napier University; Chair of the Edinburgh Universities’ Military Education Committee (MEC); Co-Chair of the Council of Military Education Committees (COMEC), and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership.
- An announcement from Deputy Chief Executive David Pettigrew on Lowland RFCA’s recent purchase of Kirkstyle Primary School in Kilmarnock, which will undergo extensive refurbishment to become the new Headquarters, complete with training, accommodation, dining and office spaces, for West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force.
Many thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the meeting, and to the staff at Heriot-Watt for their exceptional hospitality throughout the evening.
603 Squadron Hosts Business Breakfast for Local Employers
On Wednesday 27 May 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron opened its doors at Learmonth Terrace to several local employers, inviting them to learn more about life and work within the RAF Reserve, and to network with fellow representatives of Forces-friendly employers.
Congratulations to CARAs Winner Hannah!
Cadets Attend Arnold Clark Careers Day
Throughout the day, the Cadets enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the company’s many career and apprenticeship pathways, and to showcase the practical skills they gain through their training that can help them to stand out from other candidates when looking for jobs in the future.‘The session offered an excellent opportunity for them to learn more about our organisation, meet members of our team, and gain a better understanding of the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available across the business.
‘Throughout the day, the Cadets were able to explore potential career pathways, ask questions, and hear first-hand about the skills, support, and development opportunities that apprenticeships can offer. We hope the experience helped to inspire their future ambitions and left them feeling more informed and confident as they consider their next steps.’
Glasgow and Edinburgh Merchants Receive ERS Bronze Awards
It’s been a busy summer for our Defence Relationship Managers Neil and Duncan, with plenty of Lowland organisations keen to join our network of Forces-friendly employers.
On Saturday 20 June Neil had the pleasure of presenting Scotrail with its ERS Bronze Award at Edinburgh Castle as part of our Royal Gun Salute event for The King’s Birthday.
Likewise, Duncan enjoyed the opportunity to present Bronze Awards to both the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh and the Merchants House of Glasgow in their stunningly beautiful buildings on 18 June and 24 July respectively.
As ever, it’s been wonderful to meet so many new (and some familiar) faces at these events, and we can’t wait to see all our new Armed Forces Covenant signatories progress on their ERS journeys.
G&L Cadets Receive League of Mercy Recognition
Two Cadets from Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion have received a highly prestigious award acknowledging their selflessness and courage in the face of serious medical emergencies.
Lance Corporal Quinn H and Lance Bombardier Guthrie P were presented with the Distinguished Community Service Medal for Cadets, an award that recognises a single conspicuous act of bravery or the saving of life, by the League of Mercy at a special ceremony in London.
Acting in separate incidents, the two Cadets encountered someone in need of urgent medical assistance. Using the First Aid skills they gained as part of their Army Cadet training, they each set about calmly and confidently performing CPR on the casualties until paramedics arrived.
Lieutenant Cheryl Mulligan, Battalion First Aid Training Officer, said:
‘Both of these Cadets showed tremendous bravery and courage by stepping into high-pressure situations to give CPR to complete strangers. They should be very proud of their actions.
‘Congratulations to Lance Corporal Quinn H of G&L Pipes & Drums and Lance Bombardier Guthrie P of C Troop Royal Artillery on this well-deserved recognition. The Battalion is immensely proud of you both.’
Dates for your Diary
Capella Edina Concert
Tuesday 15 September, Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, 19:30.
Free admission.
Click here for more information.
Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards, Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards and Autumn Association Meeting
Tuesday 29 September, The Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT.
Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards
Thursday 15 October, Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.
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