Members gather for annual updates

Highland RFCA members gathered for the Annual Association Meeting (AAM) at Discovery Point in Dundee on 5 April.

82 attendees made the journey from across the Highlands and Islands. This was the third time the venue has hosted the AAM, following a successful first event in 2023.

HRFCA Chair, Wing Commander Dr David Caddick MBE VR JP PhD RAuxAF, opened the meeting by welcoming and thanking members. He then turned to official business such as the Election of Officials and Resolutions.

: Wing Commander Dr David Caddick’s opening remarks.

: The Election of Officials and Resolutions.

HRFCA Chief Executive, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson MBE DL, then delivered his annual report. He gave a detailed update on the activities and environment HRFCA has been operating within over the previous year. This is his last update as he will be retiring later this year.

Chief Executive speaking at a lectern in front of an audience.

Brigadier Mark Dodson delivering his update.

The Chair of the Council of RFCAs, Captain (Retired) Nick Dorman RD VR RNR, took the floor next to brief members on recent changes.

A man standing at a lectern in front of an audience.

Captain Nick Dorman delivering the CRFCA update.

He was followed by keynote speaker, NATO Senior Mentor Lieutenant General (Retired) Sir Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE, who delivered a thought-provoking presentation entitled ‘NATO Security Challenges in an Era of Confrontation’.

: Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton’s NATO presentation.

: The NATO Senior Mentor answering questions.

Members and guests had the opportunity to network during the buffet lunch provided by Discovery Point.

Updates from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force took place in the afternoon. The following single Service representatives provided presentations: Chief of Staff and Deputy Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland, Lieutenant Colonel Gary Giles RM; Colonel Jules McElhinney VR, Deputy Commander (Reserves) 51 Infantry Brigade & HQ Scotland; and HRFCA Air Regional Engagement Officer, Wing Commander Paul Carrier CEng IET. Members were then able to interact with them during a tri-Service Q&A.

: The Royal Navy update.

: The Army update.

: The Royal Air Force update.

: The tri-Service Q&A.

Lastly, President Robert Balfour Esq delivered closing remarks.

A man standing at a lectern and a man sitting at a table.

Robert Balfour Esq addressing the members.

Discovery Point presented The Lord Provost and Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Dundee, Councillor Bill Campbell, Captain Nick Dorman, Brigadier Mark Dodson, and Robert Balfour Esq with Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery relics at the end of the meeting.

: Discovery Point staff member presenting the relics.

: Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton receiving a relic.

Members and guests had the opportunity to take part in a free tour of Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award holder, Dundee Heritage Trust, has responsibility for Discovery Point, home of RRS Discovery, and Verdant Works.

Find out more about Discovery Point Dundee.