Officer Cadets of Tayforth Universities Officer Training Corps (UOTC) fired a 21-Gun Royal Salute at Stirling Castle on 21 April to mark the 91st Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.
Commanding Officer of Tayforth UOTC, Lieutenant Colonel Al Jarvis RE, said: “Participating in the Royal Salute at Stirling Castle is a great honour for the Officer Cadets at Tayforth UOTC.
“They have been conducting training with 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, it involves: teamwork, concentration, nerve, skill and precise attention to detail – all the qualities which will serve them well in whatever careers they ultimately decide to pursue, whether within the armed forces or not.
“Being part of this prestigious event gives us a chance to celebrate our links with the City of Stirling and its university. Such a unique activity is typical of the variety of experiences our Officer Cadets enjoy during their time in the OTC.”
The Officer Cadets were directed by 212 (Highland) Battery of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.
The Reviewing Officer at Stirling Castle was Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service with music provided by the pipes and drums of Scottish UOTCs.
Highland and Lowland RFCAs jointly hosted employers at the event including Michelle McKearnon (Chief Executive, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce), John Marshall (Director, Marshall Construction Ltd), and Donald Adamson (Director, Dunfermline Athletic Football Club).
They were welcomed into the Regimental Museum of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders by Brigadier Mark Dodson, CE HRFCA, who thanks guests for taking the time out of busy schedules to attend, thanking those who had already committed to support the reserves and cadets and inviting those who have recently been engaged by the RFCAs to get involved and talk to employers.
A briefing on the naval origins of gun salutes by Major Lee Patchell, the Battery Commander of 212 (Highland) Battery, followed. Maj Patchell mentioned the Troop Commander for the day, Captain Jock Mackay, recently commissioned and whose career as a gunner has seen him fulfilling every role in a gun salute. As a highly experienced gunner the Salute was directed by Capt Mackay with polish and accuracy (‘you can’t go wrong with ‘Gunner Time’ observed one member of 212 Bty).
Following the successful firing – which was also watched by proud friends and families of the Officer Cadets – and inspection of the crews, guests returned to the museum for a light lunch.
The event ran at the same time as Officer Cadets of Glasgow and Strathclyde UOTC fired a Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle.
Click HERE to see more images from the event.
Guests assemble ahead of the 21-Gun Royal Salute.
