
Last week took the Cadets and adults from West Lowland Battalion out and about for a series of Cultural Visits, exploring various historical sites and military monuments.
The first stop on the week-long tour was the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, home to over 400 memorials for members of the Armed Forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have served the Nation in times of crisis.
The visit also included a memorial service for the fallen, accompanied by piping from Corporal Stobie of the Battalion’s Belmont Detachment. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Battalion, followed by a minute’s silence.
Next up was a trip to Edinburgh Castle and Glencorse Barracks, home of The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s 2nd Battalion (2 SCOTS). Highlights of these visits included the laying of another wreath, this time at the National War Memorial, and a front-row view of the One O’Clock Gun. Over at Glencorse Barracks, the Cadets enjoyed a guided tour that gave them some great insights into life on camp and the history of 2 SCOTS.
Following the Edinburgh trip, the West Lowland crew embarked on a tour of Scotland’s Secret Bunker, a Cold War-era site located near the village of Crail in Fife. Built in 1951, located 100 feet below ground and covering 24,000 square feet filled with dormitories, operating rooms and a broadcasting studio, this facility served as a regional government headquarters during the Cold War, prepared to operate in the event of a nuclear conflict.
That afternoon, the Cadets went on to Leuchars to visit the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Here, they enjoyed a number of displays, with the added opportunity of getting hands-on with military vehicles, weapons, drones, and state-of-the-art computer programmes. The Cadets thoroughly enjoyed the chance to interact with the soldiers on site, asking questions and seeing the equipment up close.
All in all, the West Lowland Cadets had an amazing time seeing so many different cultural and historical sights, having fun and sharing memorable experiences with their friends while also learning about and remembering the sacrifices of those who have gone before them.
As ever, the Cadets were supported on their trip by the Battalion’s CFAVs and Professional Support Staff, without whom such visits would not be possible.