Annual updates at Area Meetings

Highland RFCA’s Northern and Southern Area Committees gathered for annual updates at the Area Meetings.

The HRFCA Membership is geographically divided into two Area Committees, following the merger of the former three Area Committees earlier this year. The members include Armed Forces and Veteran Champions as well as the Heads of the Service Cadets and the Armed Forces units in the Highlands and Islands. The Committees typically meet annually for updates on challenges, developments, achievements and future plans.

Both Area Meetings began with the Area Chair’s introduction, welcome, and report. HRFCA’s Chief Executive, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson, followed with an update on key changes since the Annual Association Meeting (AAM) was held at Discovery Point in Dundee in April. Members also heard unit updates from the unit representatives.

The Northern Area Meeting took place at UHI Inverness on 16 October. The Northern Area Chair, Major (Retired) Alec Rose, led the meeting. Brigadier (Retired) Dodson, HRFCA’s Head of Engagement Mrs Michelle McKearnon, and Regional Employer Engagement Director Major Ray Watt were in attendance.

The Northern Area Members enjoyed hearing from the individual speakers who gave insight into the perspectives of a local employer, a full-time Army Reservist, a full-time Royal Air Force Reservist, and tri-Service cadets. C Company 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s (SCOTS) Regimental Mentoring Support Officer, Sergeant Hope Brownless, spoke on the female perspective of a Reservist. Chief People Officer Mr David Logie and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Mr Jonathan Milne from Haventus spoke about delivering a world-leading energy transition facility. Learning Support Mentor Team (Scotland) RAF No 22 Group’s Flight Sergeant Michelle Muir expanded on the “wealth of experience” that she has gained during her Reservist career and Air Training Corps Cadet past.

Able Cadet Ally Fealy and Ordinary Cadet Lewis Kirkbride from Inverness Sea Cadets spoke about the positive opportunities, experiences, and qualifications within the Sea Cadet Corps. Cadet Sergeant Scott Tait, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Ross and Cromarty from Ross Company 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF), shared the benefits of joining the Army Cadets, including how he has personally improved with skills such as problem-solving, confidence, and first aid. He said: “You make far better friends at the Army Cadets than at school. If it weren’t for the Army Cadet Force, I wouldn’t be here speaking to you all today. I hope to one day be in the position you are.” Cadet Flight Sergeant Adam Hayton from 161 (Highland) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets delivered a presentation on what he has been able to achieve, the friends he has made, and the support he has received. He said: “There’s a vast variety of what we can do in the Air Cadets. It’s incredible. Three years ago, I wouldn’t have been confident enough to do this. I would really recommend you join the Cadet Forces. The things I’ve been able to achieve are amazing.”

HRFCA’s Chair, Wing Commander Dr David Caddick, spoke last, thanking the Committee during his closing summary. He said: “If you want to know what a supportive employer looks like, look around.”

The Southern Area Meeting took place at Queen’s Barracks Army Reserve Centre in Perth on 22 October. The Southern Area Chair, Colonel (Retired) Jim Kinloch, led the meeting. HRFCA’s Employer Engagement Admin Officer Mr Aaron Bain, Brigadier (Retired) Dodson, HRFCA’s Head of Estate Mr Fraser Kennedy, Mrs McKearnon, and Regional Employer Engagement Director Mr Roy McLellan were in attendance.

The Southern Area Committee also discussed its future operating model. The interactive session, led by Colonel (Retired) Kinloch and Colonel Scott Dunn, Southern Area Vice Chair and Commandant of Angus and Dundee Battalion ACF, proved productive and successful.

Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award holder, Hazelnuts Catering, provided supper.

Many thanks to UHI Inverness and 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland for hosting the Area Meetings. UHI Inverness is a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, a further education and higher education partnership that is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and ERS Bronze Award holder in the HRFCA-area.

The HRFCA Membership will gather next for the AAM at Discovery Point in Dundee on 5 April 2025. Covenant signatory and ERS Bronze Award holder, Dundee Heritage Trust, has responsibility for Discovery Point, home of Royal Research Ship Discovery, and its sister museum Verdant Works.