ARMY CADET FORCE
Highland RFCA provides direct support to each of the five ACF Battalions and two Independent Cadet Batteries in the Highlands and Islands. We employ a small permanent staff consisting of a Cadet Executive Officer, a Cadet Quartermaster, and Cadet Administrative Assistants, supported by Administrative Officers. These staff manage the day to day running of these volunteer organisations. The Army Cadet Force units are:
- 1st Battalion The Highlanders, Army Cadet Force
- 2nd Battalion The Highlanders, Army Cadet Force
- The Angus and Dundee Battalion, Army Cadet Force
- The Black Watch Battalion, Army Cadet Force
- The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion, Army Cadet Force
- Shetland Independent Cadet Battery (Royal Artillery)
- Orkney Independent Cadet Battery (Lovat Scouts)
ACTIVITIES
Highland RFCA works closely with HQ 51 Scottish Brigade and the Army Cadet Force Association (Scotland) to promote cadet activities which aim to develop citizenship and life skills as well as providing fun and adventure. Apart from the Cadet syllabus of training, this includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, St John’s Ambulance First Aid Courses, the opportunity to obtain National Vocational Qualifications (BTEC First Diploma in Public Service, the equivalent of four Standard Grades), and national piping and drumming qualifications.
PIPING AND HIGHLAND DRUMMING
A major development in recent years has been the greater encouragement of Piping and Highland Drumming across all the Cadet organisations, and it is notably strong in the ACF. Under the guidance of the Army’s School of Bagpiping and Highland Drumming, piping for the ACF is actively encouraged along with that in both the Regular and Territorial Army. The ACF now has Captain Jim Stout appointed as a technical advisor who directs the piping curriculum. Both Highland and Lowland RFCA have provided substantial funding for equipment and uniform. Piping and drumming courses are run throughout the year with a Piping and Drumming camp in Inverness during the Easter school holiday. The highlight is the Massed Beating Retreat by Cadet Pipe Bands on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade during May.