The Employer Engagement team from Highland RFCA enjoyed a thrill-packed day at Stirling Highland Games.
The HRFCA gazebo proved popular, with many visitors stopping by on the day to say hello and to learn more about the value to organisations of employing Armed Forces Reservists.
The popular games returned to Stirling on 20 August after a two-year break. Events included track and field, cycling, Highland Dancing and The Bruce Challenge, a farmers’ walk exclusive to Stirling that saw athletes carrying two huge boulders as far as they could!
There were also more than 30 traders in the village marquee.
Music was provided by the Balaklava Pipes and Drums (the band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association) and Stirling Gaelic Choir.
The highlight of our day was the presentation to Stirling Highland Games of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award. These awards recognise the support the Games gives to our Armed Forces.
These were presented to Games’ Chieftain Alison McGrandles and event President Matt McGrandles. Alison is a former Scotland Rugby international, she has 50 international caps and represented the country at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 Rugby World Cups.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to recognise the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to business and our country.
Stirling Highland Games’ commitment to honouring the Covenant includes pledges to:
- Promote the fact it is an Armed forces-friendly organisation.
- Support the employment and volunteering opportunities of veterans.
- Support employees who are members of the Reserve Forces; granting additional paid/unpaid leave for annual Reserve Forces training; supporting any mobilisations and deployment.
- Support employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, granting additional leave to attend annual training camps and courses.
- Recognise Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal Day and Remembrance activities.
As well as signing the Covenant, Stirling Highland Games received the ERS Bronze Award. The ERS awards encourage employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
To find out how you can support the Armed Forces, contact HRFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Directors Roy McLellan at [email protected] or Ray Watt at [email protected].
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, click HERE.
To find out more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, click HERE.
To find out more about Stirling Highland Games, click HERE.
