May 30, 2025
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Eighteen organisations in the Highland RFCA-area have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025.
The Award from the Ministry of Defence is in recognition of the support the organisations give to the Armed Forces community.
The 2025 winners are:
- Altrad Integrity Services Limited
- Clackmannanshire Council
- Copernicus Technology Ltd
- Corporate Energy & Renewables Ltd
- EASTON’S Training Limited
- OnFife
- Flotation Energy Ltd
- Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
- Golden Friendships
- GSL Associates (Scotland) Ltd
- Journeycall
- Knights Templar Goodwill Charity of Scotland
- Mitchell & Murdoch Care Ltd
- Port of Aberdeen
- Raeburn Training
- Robertson Group
- Shearwater Marine Services Ltd
- Well-Safe Solutions Limited
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises those who demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge from the nation that those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly.
Silver winners must meet certain criteria, including: employing at least one individual from the Armed Forces community, actively ensuring that their workforce is aware of their positive policies, demonstrating support to mobilisations of Reservists and providing at least five days’ additional leave for training.
In addition to the 18 Highland winners, 25 organisations from the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association area will receive Silver Awards. Across the UK, there were 307 winners in total for 2025.
Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, said: “These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of Defence. They don’t just talk about support — they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy, and long-term commitment to those who serve. This is about more than good intentions, it’s about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that they have been recognised for all they do for our Reservists, Veterans and cadets.”
A ceremony will be held at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on June 26 to present the Highland winners with their Awards. Hear from some of the recipients below.
“We are honoured to have received the Silver Award. This recognition reflects our firm commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for members of the Armed Forces community. We greatly value the skills, experience, and dedication that Veterans, Reservists, and their families bring to the energy sector, and we remain committed to championing their contribution within a diverse and forward-looking workforce.”
Clackmannanshire Council Provost, Councillor Donald Balsillie, said: “As the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, I am delighted we have achieved the Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Clackmannanshire Council employ staff who are members of the Reserve Forces and recognise the valuable contribution they make to the UK Armed Forces, our communities and the workplace. The Council is committed to supporting members of the Reserve Forces and the commitments set out in the Employer Recognition Scheme and our Armed Forces Covenant.”
“Copernicus Technology Ltd is a proud supporter of the UK Armed Forces community and we are delighted to have achieved Silver recognition alongside our fellow Award recipients. A significant proportion of our employees are ex-Forces and/or Reserve personnel and we greatly value the unique capabilities they offer and their commitment in supporting the wider community.”
“At EASTON’S Training Limited, we are proud and privileged to win this Award. You don’t build a business. You build people, and by receiving this Award, people build the business.”
“At OnFife we are thrilled to receive the Silver Award as recognition for the work we do to support the Armed Forces community by creating an environment where serving personnel, Veterans, Reservists, and their families feel valued and supported within our organisation.”
Louise Doherty, Flotation Energy Ltd Head of People and Culture, said: “We are delighted to have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for our commitment to the UK Armed Forces community. At Flotation Energy Ltd, supporting Armed Forces communities is an important pledge that directly aligns with our company values. What’s more, working with the Armed Forces talent pool broadens our organisational skillset and deeply enriches company culture. We look forward to working together in partnership for many years to come.”
“We are absolutely over the moon to receive this Award. We’re passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community in any way we can. We truly hope others feel the same and are inspired to get involved.”
“Golden Friendships are delighted on winning our Silver ERS Award.”
Graham Struthers, Director of GSL Associates (Scotland) Ltd, said: “Being awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award means a lot to me personally. I strongly believe in supporting the Armed Forces community, the benefits of transferable skills to businesses, as well as to local communities and third sector organisations. There are some amazing people involved in various roles and types of service, and I hope to be able to continue to provide my support by helping Veterans, Reservists, and cadet organisations now and in the future.”
“The ESP Group is proud to continue our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and are pleased to have been awarded Silver status to recognise our promotion, engagement, employment and support of the Armed Forces Community.”
“This is truly fantastic news, we are delighted and honoured to receive this Silver Award in recognition for our commitment and support to all the Armed Forces personnel and the Veterans we have supported. Our Veterans and Reservists are delighted to be part of this noble cause that aims to support all our fellow Armed Forces family through the next stage of their transition.”
“We are delighted as an organisation at Mitchell & Murdoch Care Ltd to be awarded Silver, we always strive to support our Armed Forces and Reservist staff members and colleagues. This Award shows that we are dedicated to providing support for training Armed Forces and Reservists, and our support for the cadet movement as a whole.”
“We’re honoured to have advanced from Bronze in 2023 to achieving the Silver Award, reaffirming our commitment to the Armed Forces community. This milestone reflects our dedication to offering meaningful employment opportunities and support to Service personnel, Reservists, Veterans, cadets, and military families.”
“We are incredibly proud and honoured to receive the Silver Award. At Raeburn Training, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, and this recognition reflects our dedication to creating a workplace and training environment that values members of the Armed Forces’ service, resilience, and transferable skills. This Award not only acknowledges our efforts, but also inspires us to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Veterans, Reservists, and their families. We would like to thank Defence for this accolade and reaffirm our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.”
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “At Robertson, we recognise the significant contribution the Armed Forces community makes to our organisation, our local communities, and the country as a whole. Achieving the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award reaffirms our support for Service personnel, both as an employer of choice and as a trusted partner to the defence sector. It also reflects our deep respect for the contributions and sacrifices they make.”
Director Alistair Baird said: “Shearwater Marine Services Ltd has been a proud signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant for a number of years. We are committed to providing opportunities for Armed Forces leavers to transition into civilian life with meaningful and rewarding careers in the maritime industry. We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Silver status in the Employer Recognition Scheme.”
“We are proud that Well-Safe Solutions Limited has been awarded Silver – a significant milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. As dedicated signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, this recognition highlights the steps we’ve taken to ensure fair treatment, opportunities, and lasting support for Armed Forces Veterans. We firmly believe in the value of transferable skills developed through military service – from leadership and resilience to technical expertise – and we’re proud to integrate this talent into our workforce.”
