An Army Cadet Instructor from 1st Battalion the Highlanders has been presented with a long service medal.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Leonard Cowieson (65), from the battalion’s Forres Detachment, was presented with the Cadet Forces Medal, which recognises 12 years’ service to the Cadet Force.
SSI Cowieson joined the ACF in October 2006 as an instructor with Moray Company’s Nairn Detachment, later transferring to Elgin Detachment to assist in 2008. In October that year he was appointed Moray’s Cadet Administrative Assistant. As the Company CAA his duties included requesting uniform for the cadets of the Company’s six detachments, ensuring each detachment’s building was maintained and ensuring equipment for training was available. In 2010 he took a step back from being a CAA and become a Detachment Instructor once again, this time at Moray’s Culloden Detachment. In 2013 the company was restructured and SSI Cowieson was transferred to teach in Forres Detachment where he has been since.
On top of his detachment duties, he is also a qualified Adventure Training instructor and holds various qualifications in skiing and hillwalking. He makes sure the cadets take full advantage of his knowledge by attending various Adventure Training weekends held by the battalion.
SSI Cowieson was awarded his medal at Forres Detachment by battalion commandant, Colonel Iain Cassidy.
After the presentation Captain Ryan Dey, Forres Detachment Commander, said: “I, the cadets and the adults are always appreciative of SSI Cowieson’s work and advice. I was delighted to see the Colonel come through to Forres to present his medal.”
