Lowland Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association

We always love to see Forces-friendly employers engaging with their local Cadet communities, helping them gain an insight into the wealth of career opportunities that they can explore in the future. This was the case for several Royal Air Force Air Cadets from across the Central Belt of Scotland when they attended a STEM Innovation Day hosted by Leonardo, a leading Aerospace, Defence and Security company and holder of a UK Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. Throughout the day, the Cadets enjoyed an extensive itinerary of facility tours and demonstrations, and also took part in some hands-on activities that included software coding and mechanical engineering. To find out more about how getting involved as a Cadet or an adult instructor with the RAF Air Cadets can open doors for you, click here: https://bit.ly/3slkkTr 

We are incredibly excited to reveal the recipients of the 2024 Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service. The annual presentation of Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards for Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and employees of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Organisations are recognised as highly prestigious accolades throughout the Ministry of Defence. These certificates are an important means of recognising diligence, determination and drive within the Defence community. As well as public recognition, the certificates are much appreciated and valued by the individuals who receive them. We look forward to celebrating with all the recipients in the New Year. WINNERS LIST: https://bit.ly/3YlqdfO British Army Royal Naval Reserve Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) Army Cadets UK | Official Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Pleased to announce that Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) are sponsoring this year’s Lothian and Borders CARA Award. The training and challenges, based on the traditions of the Armed Forces, that the UK Armed Forces Cadet movement provides is a tremendous benefit to not only develop the person into responsible adults but also will prepare early leadership experience and responsibility ready for the future industry involvement they will have. Good luck to all the nominees!

Ten amazing Lowland organisations have decided to show their support to the Cadet movement this year by sponsoring a CARA (Cadet Adult Recognition Award). We are delighted to reveal this year's sponsors are: ⭐️ Sea Cadets West: Foresite Reactive Maintenance Services Ltd ⭐️ Sea Cadets East: The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland ⭐️ Air Cadets West: CTH Auto Services ⭐️ Air Cadets East: Scottish Land & Estates ⭐️ Glasgow and Lanarkshire Winner: McGill's Bus Group ⭐️ Glasgow and Lanarkshire Runner-Up: DMI Fire and Security ⭐️ West Lowland Winner: ZE GLOBAL LTD ⭐️ West Lowland Runner-Up: ISafe Homes Ltd ⭐️ Lothian and Borders Winner: Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) ⭐️ Lothian and Borders Runner-Up: RESPRAY YOUR KITCHEN AND FURNITURE LTD But why do these companies do it? Kirsty Marshall, McGill’s Group HR Manager, said: 'At McGill’s, we are proud to support the Cadet Adult Recognition Award, as it aligns with our core values of leadership, dedication, and community service. Recognising the incredible contributions of cadet adults helps to inspire future generations to set up and make a positive impact. We believe in fostering a strong, supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive, and we are delighted to sponsor such a meaningful initiative.' Thank you so much to this year's sponsors who, through their generosity, allow us to give each CARAs winner a £50 gift voucher. To find out more about the awards, click here: https://lnkd.in/eftJfRN #CARAs2024

Ten amazing Lowland organisations have decided to show their support to the Cadet movement this year by sponsoring a CARA (Cadet Adult Recognition Award). We are delighted to reveal this year's sponsors are: ⭐️ Sea Cadets West: Foresite Reactive Maintenance Services Ltd ⭐️ Sea Cadets East: The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland ⭐️ Air Cadets West: CTH Auto Services ⭐️ Air Cadets East: Scottish Land & Estates ⭐️ Glasgow and Lanarkshire Winner: McGill's Bus Group ⭐️ Glasgow and Lanarkshire Runner-Up: DMI Fire and Security ⭐️ West Lowland Winner: ZE GLOBAL LTD ⭐️ West Lowland Runner-Up: ISafe Homes Ltd ⭐️ Lothian and Borders Winner: Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) ⭐️ Lothian and Borders Runner-Up: RESPRAY YOUR KITCHEN AND FURNITURE LTD But why do these companies do it? Kirsty Marshall, McGill’s Group HR Manager, said: 'At McGill’s, we are proud to support the Cadet Adult Recognition Award, as it aligns with our core values of leadership, dedication, and community service. Recognising the incredible contributions of cadet adults helps to inspire future generations to set up and make a positive impact. We believe in fostering a strong, supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive, and we are delighted to sponsor such a meaningful initiative.' Thank you so much to this year's sponsors who, through their generosity, allow us to give each CARAs winner a £50 gift voucher. To find out more about the awards, click here: https://lnkd.in/eftJfRN #CARAs2024

During the ERS Silver Awards presentation at City of Glasgow College, we had the pleasure of chatting to Stephanie Grieve, Senior Solicitor with Scullion LAW and a serving Army Reservist, about what it means to her team to receive such a prestigious Defence award, and about the mutual benefits that being a Forces-friendly employer brings to Defence and society. #SilverERS24 Defence Relationship Management (DRM) Allied Vehicles Group DMI Fire and Security The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) Norsk Tactical OW Ocean Winds UK Ready Construction Limited UK Glasgow Trump Turnberry The Veterans' Foundation Veterans Housing Scotland ZE GLOBAL LTD British Army Sarah Fishwick Judith Higson Nicholas Scullion

In the lead up to the presentation for the Gold Status Employer Recognition Scheme we are highlighting one of our ex-forces staff members Ralph Yardley. Ralph has been with us since January and is a Senior HSQE Advisor at our Rench Farm HQ. Whilst in the forces Ralph received the MBE for working in the Army youth team, helping young people from different backgrounds in adventure training, hill walking, rock climbing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. He now works as our QTS youth forces mentor for any young people coming in the business from the forces community, to make sure they have support and guidance. Lowland Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association #GoldERS2024

2024 marks 100 years of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF), and has already seen a number of commemorative events taking place up and down the UK. On Saturday 5 October, Reservists from the Lowlands-based 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron RAuxAF joined their counterparts from three other RAuxAF Squadrons at the Tower of London for a particularly special event, celebrating this milestone anniversary with the consecration of a new Standard for each unit. It is unprecedented for four RAF units to receive Standards in a single ceremony, and Tower Green proved to be an ideal setting for the occasion, reflecting the solemnity and importance of such an event in the RAuxAF’s centenary year. Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3YqA6tW Photo Credits: 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth Royal Air Force (RAF) Royal Air Force Reserves

Last Thursday night Lowland RFCA had the great pleasure of hosting 21 Forces-friendly organisations at City of Glasgow College's Riverside Campus to receive their Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award. The awards were presented by the Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC. With an exceptional musical accompaniment courtesy of the Lowland Band, the guests were celebrated for their support to those who have served or continue to serve with the Defence family. To read the full story, click here: https://bit.ly/3ByFqSR Congratulations to all of this year's winners and thank you for joining us for such a special evening. #SilverERS2024 Allied Vehicles Group Amber Regent Restaurant A S Scaffolding (Services) Ltd CTH Auto Services DMI Fire and Security Foresite Reactive Maintenance Limited The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland Highlander (Scotland) Limited Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) iSafe Homes Ltd Norsk Tactical OW Ocean Winds UK Ready Construction Limited UK Glasgow Scullion LAW SW Global Resourcing Taylor Bowls Trump Turnberry Whitecairn Caravan Park Limited The Veterans' Foundation Veterans Housing Scotland ZE GLOBAL LTD Defence Relationship Management (DRM) Royal Naval Reserve Royal Marines Reserve Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) British Army

**CONTENT WARNING: Some images featuring fake blood and graphic injury are included in this post** Earlier this month, the Lowland Comms Team’s Emma McMullan and Chief Executive Colonel Ted Shields were delighted to spend a day with Reservists from 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron and 2622 Highland Squadron on their Annual Continuous Training (ACT) in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. During the day the guests to the ACT, which included representatives from Forces-friendly employers and some RAF Reserves VIPs, enjoyed the chance to observe patrolling and triage exercises, seeing the Reservists test their communication, teamwork and marksmanship skills up close. Click here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/4eCwEl9 Royal Air Force (RAF) RAF Reserves Employer Engagement