An Inverness-shire volunteer has had their service in helping the young people of the Highlands recognised.
Captain Bart Lucas (74), from 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ Culloden Detachment, was presented with the 5th Clasp of the Cadet Force Medal – marking 42 years of service to the Army Cadets.
The Cadet Force Medal is awarded to all Adult Volunteers after 12 years of service to the Cadet Forces, with a clasp awarded for every six years of further service.
Throughout his forty-plus years with the cadets Bart has held several key appointments within the Battalion, from the Battalion’s Duke of Edinburgh Officer, Company Commander and even the Battalion’s Adjutant. Prior to reaching retirement age Bart was also employed as the Battalion’s Administrative Officer as his day-job, working from the Battalion HQ in Inverness. Capt Lucas is currently the Detachment Commander for Culloden Detachment, as well as second-in-command for the Battalion’s Moray Company.
Forty-two years of service is a huge achievement that only a handful of CFAVs will ever reach. Bart is the 12th longest-serving Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in the country, but is the 3rd longest-serving that is still in uniform that holds a rank.
Capt Lucas (pictured, right) was presented with his clasp by the Battalion’s Commandant Colonel Mike MacDonald, on Saturday morning during the beginning of a joint Moray and Inverness Company Training Weekend at the Battalion’s Cadet Training Centre in Dingwall.