Employers enjoy HMS Scotia visit

Highland RFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Ray Watt took representatives from seven employer organisations to HMS Scotia in Rosyth.

The Forces-friendly employers had the opportunity to see first-hand the valuable work of Royal Naval Reservists. The event took place on 6 February as part of the Deputy Commander of the Maritime Reserves Scotland’s visit to the unit.

The employer engagement evening began with speeches from the Deputy Commander of the Maritime Reserves, Colonel Aldeiy Alderson, and the Commanding Officer of HMS Scotia, Surgeon Commander Robert O’Donnell. Colonel Alderson thanked the employers for their crucial support and for employing Reservists.

The Operating Company Representative of BEAR Scotland, Euan Scott, took the floor next to speak about the road maintenance and management firm’s journey to achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award and the benefits of employing a Reservist. BEAR Scotland is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and 2024 ERS Gold Award recipient in the HRFCA-area. The personnel present included Royal Naval Reservist Sub Lieutenant Scott Sykes whose civilian job is working as a Bridge Engineer for BEAR Scotland.

After the introductions into the Maritime Reserves, visitors gained further insight through various capability demonstration stands. The stands included an Airsoft weapons stand and a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat simulator (pictured above).

HMS Scotia is the principal Royal Naval Reserve unit for the entire East of Scotland and is situated within the grounds of HMS Caledonia to the north of Rosyth Dockyard.

The Maritime Reserves are made up of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Marine Reserve. Their Reservists stand alongside their Regulars, getting involved in everything from conflict to counter-terrorism and anti-piracy work.

All the employer organisations in attendance are Armed Forces Covenant signatories and ERS Award holders in the HRFCA-area: Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels (ERS Silver), EASTON’S Training Limited (ERS Bronze), Fife College (ERS Silver), Forth Valley College (ERS Silver), and Perth & Kinross Council (ERS Gold).