We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

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We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

Discover more

We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

Discover more

We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

Discover more

Latest Bulletin

GOLD AWARDS

Eleven employers holding Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award certificates with General Officer Scotland and two HRFCA Defence Relationship Managers.

14 employer organisations had their outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards. #GoldERS25

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2025 GOLD AWARD WINNERS

More than 200 organisations – including 14 in the Highland RFCA area – have been recognised by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community. #GoldERS25

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SILVER AWARDS CEREMONY

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards have been presented to employers that have demonstrated outstanding support to the Armed Forces. #SilverERS25

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WE URGENTLY NEED ADULT VOLUNTEERS – CAN YOU HELP?

With no military experience needed, all training provided, and the chance to earn from £1,000 or more a year, find out why most of our volunteers find the cadets one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done.

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We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

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The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the Highlands is the organisation which facilitates, supports and promotes the Volunteer Reserve Forces of all three Armed Services and the three Cadet organisations in the region. It is one of thirteen RFCAs covering the UK.

We are responsible for the wellbeing of the region’s Reserve Forces and Cadets, promoting the interests of the Armed Forces and building relationships with the local community and employers.

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Reserves

There are around 32,000 Volunteer Reservists in the UK. Coming from all backgrounds, regions and jobs, these are ordinary men and women who give up their time to train and serve alongside the Regular Forces.

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Cadets

The UK Service Cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world. Sea Cadets (as the Naval Lads’ Brigade) began life in 1856, followed by the Army Cadet Force (as the Volunteers) in 1860. They were joined by the RAF Air Cadets (as the Air Training Corps) in 1941.

Latest News

Benbecula Army Careers visit

January 16, 2026

Army Cadets from Benbecula received a visit from the Inverness Army Careers team who shared insights into opportunities within the British Army. The cadets from 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force’s Benbecula Detachment were visited by Gunner Main, Gunner Tagituimua and Bombardier Whyte as part of a wider visit to the Outer Hebrides by the team. The team was

Armed Forces Bill 2026

January 16, 2026

The Armed Forces Bill 2026 was presented to the UK Parliament on 15 January. The primary purpose of the Bill is to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006 (last renewed in 2021), but it also provides the Government with an opportunity to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve, strengthen national security and improve conditions of service.

Alness JCC project completed

January 12, 2026

Work on the new Joint Cadet Centre (JCC) in Alness has been completed. The £440,000 project was part of the nationwide Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP). The works saw Integra Buildings redevelop the Royal Air Force Air Cadets site used by 379 (County of Ross) Squadron. The building footprint was enlarged with a new extension of prefabricated modules, allowing it

Double presentation at UHI North, West and Hebrides

January 8, 2026

UHI North, West and Hebrides was presented with the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award on 9 December. Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Manager Ray Watt presented both certificates at the organisation’s Fort William campus. Ray is pictured with Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of the college and university. UHI North, West and Hebrides re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in July

Andron receives Gold Award

January 5, 2026

Highland RFCA Defence Relationship Manager Ray Watt presented Andron Facilities Management with its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award on 18 December. Ray is pictured with Human Resources Administrator Leigh Bain at Andron’s Aberdeen Head Office. Gold is the highest badge of honour for employers who champion Veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families in the workplace. Founded

Employers enjoy Scottish Business Address

December 17, 2025

Highland RFCA Defence Relationship Managers, Hayley Munro and Ray Watt, attended the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Scottish Business Address along with Armed Forces-friendly employers on 27 November. The event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow and consisted of networking and dinner with speaker insights on innovation and success. Over 650 guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow

Double presentation at roofing firm

December 12, 2025

Macleod Roofing Limited was presented with the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award on 18 November. Highland RFCA Defence Relationship Manager Ray Watt handed over both certificates to Managing Director Sandy Macleod in Inverness. Founded by Sandy in 1990, Macleod Roofing is a leading roofing firm in the north of Scotland. It is proud to be

Regimental Trust presented with certificates

December 11, 2025

The Black Watch Regimental Trust was presented with the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award on 20 November. General Officer Scotland, Major General Robin Lindsay, handed over both certificates to Chief Executive Officer Douglas Alexander at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth during the ERS Gold Awards ceremony being held at the venue

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