Doors reopen at Dingwall

November 26, 2020
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Cadets from Ross-shire have returned to training following over eight months of COVID-19 restrictions.

Following in the footsteps of 1st Battalion the Highlanders’ Alness Detachment, Dingwall Detachment reopened their doors for face-to-face training two weeks ago. It was a fun event celebrating the cadets’ achievements during lockdown.

Since the end of March, Army cadets up and down the country have moved their training online to ensure that the cadets were not falling behind in their cadet progression and to help improve people’s mental health by staying connected during lockdown.

Throughout lockdown, the cadets of the Ross Company Detachment have been engaging with the Battalion’s Online Programme, from weekly training lessons to online competitions and challenges. The cadets were welcomed back to their detachment where they – keeping to social distancing guidelines – spent the night celebrating their achievements.

At the end of the evening, several presentations were made with some expert social distancing skills by the Detachment’s Commander, Company Sergeant Major Instructor Craig MacIver, who used his pace stick to present them. Cadet Liam Squire (13) was presented with his Basic Certificate, Cadet Corporal Nathanael McCully (15) was presented with his 2 Star Certificate and Cadet Sergeant Lewis Squire (17) was awarded his 3 Star Certificate.

Cadet Liam Squire (right) being presented with his Basic Certificate by Detachment Commander Company Sergeant Major Instructor Craig MacIver (left).
Sergeant Lewis Squire (right) being awarded his 3 Star by Detachment Commander CSMI Craig MacIver (left).
Corporal Nathanael McCully (right) being presented with his 2 Star Certificate by Detachment Commander CSMI Craig MacIver (left).

The Army Cadets are allowed to return to face-to-face training in Scotland as it falls under the youth sector and is classified as a designated essential service that engages young people within their communities and also acknowledges the wider networks of peers, community and culture, as well as supporting the young person to realise their potential and to address life’s challenges critically and creatively.