ERS Silver Award holders join forces

Two Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award holders from the Highland RFCA-area have joined forces to create a special product.

The owner of G.H.Q. Spirits James McNeill and BRAVEHOUND Founder and CEO Fiona MacDonald met at the Highland RFCA ERS Silver Awards ceremony held at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on June 22.

The reception and presentations formally recognised the support those two organisations (along with the other 27 recipients) give to the Armed Forces community.

Both James and Fiona have military connections in their families and have collaborated for a project to produce a co-branded spirit, G.H.Q. BRAVEHOUND Gin. The project demonstrates the value of the Employer Recognition Scheme, with this collaboration directly benefiting former Service personnel and their families.

G.H.Q. Spirits and BRAVEHOUND Gin — The new product came about after the organisations met at Highland RFCA’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards held in Perth.

G.H.Q. recognises the qualities Veterans bring to the workplace, their can-do attitude and work ethic. It is equally passionate about the need to support those who carry invisible wounds from their experiences during military service. For every bottle sold a £10 donation will go to the BRAVEHOUND charity.

James McNeill of G.H.Q. Spirits received his award from General Officer Scotland General Bill Wright. — James McNeill of G.H.Q. Spirits received his ERS Silver Award from General Officer Scotland Major General Bill Wright.

BRAVEHOUND supports former military personnel and their families across Scotland. It provides support dogs to Veterans who have a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. BRAVEHOUND is committed to the long-term welfare of each BRAVEHOUND dog and the Veteran they have been partnered with over the animal’s lifetime. Dogs help to heal invisible wounds.