Annual presentations for Shetland Army Cadets

Orkney & Shetland Battery of 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF) held its annual presentations night at Fort Charlotte in Lerwick on 4 February.

The presentations of certificates, trophies, and promotions were in recognition of the Shetland Army Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers’ achievements in 2024.

The newly appointed Commandant of 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF, Colonel Tim Martin, attended the event. He travelled from the Western Isles to Shetland via Orkney, where he visited the other half of Orkney & Shetland Battery. This was his first-ever trip to Shetland.

Another visitor to the evening was the Lord-Lieutenant of Shetland, Mr Lindsay Tulloch QPM, who is a keen supporter of the Cadet Forces in Shetland. They were joined by guests Mr Jim Nicolson BEM and Mr John Taylor QGM, both of whom had been Commandant of Shetland’s Army Cadets when the unit was independent. Mr Taylor was also the last Honorary Colonel in Shetland. The Army Cadets’ families were also in attendance.

The evening began with a demonstration of drill before Colonel Martin and Mr Tulloch inspected and spoke to the cadets on parade. This was followed by the presentations.

Colonel Martin presented St John Ambulance First Aid at Work certificates to Bombardier Stephen Laurenson, Bombardier Evie Leslie, and Staff Sergeant Vaila Thompson. Sergeant Instructor Scott Aitken and Staff Sergeant Thompson were then presented with Silver Duke of Edinburgh certificates and badges.

Shooting trophies were awarded next. Cadet Callie Nicolson won the Best Air Rifle Shot 2024, but was unable to attend the evening. The Best .22 Rifle Shot 2024 went to Bombardier Leslie, and Best Fullbore (Cadet GP Rifle) Shot 2024 went to Staff Sergeant Thompson.

The trophy for Best Attendance 2024 went to Cadet Dylan Vice, with an impressive record of 77 out of a possible 85 attendances. Most Improved Cadet 2024 was awarded to Cadet Tyler Compston, who has made excellent progress throughout the last year. Staff Sergeant Thompson was then rewarded for her efforts in the previous year with the trophy for Best Cadet 2024.

After the presentation of trophies, Colonel Martin promoted Cadet Hannah Wishart to Lance Bombardier, Bombardiers Laurenson and Leslie to Sergeant, and Staff Sergeant Thompson to Cadet Sergeant Major. Adult Volunteer Nina Crehan also received her Sergeant Instructor rank. Mr Tulloch then presented the King’s Coronation Medals to Major Cheryl Haynes, Sergeant Major Instructor Kev Bryant, and Sergeant Instructor John Best.

Following the presentations, cadets demonstrated various syllabus skills to their families before refreshments were served in the Fort Charlotte Mess.

Colonel Martin said: “I have known and worked with Adult Volunteers and cadets from Orkney & Shetland Battery on a number of camps over the years. It has been a good experience to visit them in both their home locations. The cadets and adults are full of enthusiasm and always impress with their turnout, ability, and knowledge, as well as their sense of pride and humour. It was particularly good to see so many family members in attendance in Shetland as it is a great opportunity for them to engage.”

Mr Tulloch said: “This is the second time I have been invited to an Army Cadet activity, and it is a real pleasure to support this very worthwhile youth organisation. The cadets are always keen to talk about their experiences in a mature and enthusiastic manner. The Army Cadet Force allows them to develop confidence and teamwork, which is very evident in how they conduct themselves.”

Shetland’s Army Cadets meet at Fort Charlotte every Tuesday and at the Brae Community Hall every Wednesday. They meet from 6.45pm to 8.45pm at both locations in Lerwick. Cadets can join aged 12 to 18.

Find out more about the Army Cadet Force.

• Main image (from left, front row): Major Cheryl Haynes, Mr John Taylor, Mr Lindsay Tulloch, Colonel Tim Martin, Mr Jim Nicolson, Cadet Sergeant Major Vaila Thompson, Sergeant Instructor Scott Aitken, Sergeant Major Instructor Kev Bryant, Sergeant Evie Leslie, Lance Bombardier Hannah Wishart, Sergeant Stephen Laurenson, Cadet Dylan Vice, Cadet Tyler Compston, Sergeant Instructor Nina Crehan, and Sergeant Instructor John Best. All photos courtesy of Orkney & Shetland Battery Training Officer Sergeant Major Instructor Kev Bryant.