Last month, Orkney & Shetland Battery cadets held their annual Awards Night to celebrate the achievements of the cadets.
On February 22 the cadets, who are part of 1st Battalion the Highlanders ACF, took time out from a busy training weekend at Fort Charlotte in Lerwick for the event. The cadets who excelled during the previous year were rewarded with trophies and promotions, joined by their family and friends. Also in attendance were Lord Lieutenant Bobby Hunter, Honorary Colonel John Taylor and former Commandant Jim Nicolson. The parade was taken by Orkney-based Battery Commander Major Bruce Durrand who travelled north to Shetland for the special occasion.
The evening started with an inspection of the cadets by Lord Lieutenant Hunter who then kindly took the time to present awards. SCQA Young Leader Award certificates were presented to Lance Bombardier Brianna MacKay and Cadet Scott Aitken, whilst Sergeant Jake Rendall received his St John Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. Shooting trophies for air rifle, .22 and full bore shooting respectively went to Lance Bombardier MacKay, Cadet Vaila Crow and Cadet Aitken. Lord Lieutenant Hunter also presented the Sergeant Major’s Shield to Cadet Aitken for Best Attendance of 2019 as well as his dedication and commitment. Former Commandant Nicolson presented The Cadet Challenge Shield for Best Cadet to Bombardier Ian Peterson. The Commandant’s Shield for Most Improved Cadet was presented by Colonel Taylor to Cadet Danni Crehan.
Promoted to the rank of Lance Bombardier were cadets Aitken, Crow and Kyren Wishart. Lance Bombardiers Amber Grogan and Stephanie McDowall were promoted to Bombardier. One of the adult volunteers, Probationary Instructor Michelle Robertson, received her new rank slide of Advanced Probationary Instructor after having passed all her initial training.
After the awards ceremony, guests had the opportunity to explore and learn more from the cadets’ information stands. The cadets showed off their weapon training, first aid, fieldcraft and map reading skills before refreshments were served.
1st Battalion the Highlanders ACF is a youth organisation that provides challenging adventure, sporting and community activities aiming to inspire young people to achieve success in life whilst having fun. To learn more, click HERE.
