Highland RFCA bids farewell to Deputy Chief Executive

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Andrew Macnaughton retired from Highland RFCA on 30 November following seven years as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief of Staff.

Staff, including several Battalion Cadet Executive Officers, gathered at the Association HQ in Dundee to say farewell over coffee and cake.

Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson gave a speech reflecting on Andrew’s work across three key areas: Youth and Cadets where he has championed the Permanent Support Staff in the ACF Battalions, worked effectively with the Cadet Executive Officers and forged strong links with Commandants. He then moved on to Andrew’s role as Chief of Staff for the Association and how he has positively impacted the lives of all staff, and steered Highland RFCA wisely through the challenges of COVID-19 and hybrid working policies. The final area was his role as the Chief Executive’s right-hand, and how Andrew had constantly provided balanced and well-reasoned advice.

He said: “In summary it would be fair to say Andrew that you have been a tremendous Deputy Chief Executive and Chief of Staff. You’ve had a profound impact on the lives of our team over the last seven years or so. Literally, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all you have done.”

Andrew thanked the Chief Executive for his kind words, adding: “This is the longest time I’ve worked with a continuous bunch of people and it has been a great deal of fun. That’s as much down to you as anything else. I think we’re working better together now than we have at any time in the last seven years, and that is absolutely down to team effort.

“It’s been a great experience, and I’m sure I will miss it in lots of ways. So thank you all very much indeed.”

Andrew joined the Association in late 2016, hitting the ground running and covering 700 miles in a matter of weeks as he got his head around a demanding and multifaceted post.

A Regular Argyll who commanded 51 Highland Volunteers, Andrew’s good humour and wise counsel will be missed. All at Highland RFCA wish him a long and happy retirement.

◼︎ Main image shows Andrew (left) receiving best wishes and a farewell gift from the Chief Executive.