New Aberdeen cadet building opened

The new 2nd Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF) building at Mastrick, Aberdeen, was opened officially on 3 June.

The building forms part of Highland RFCA’s £1.4 million programme of cadet building replacements and follows similar builds in Newport, Bo’ness and Banff.

The modular, energy-efficient design was manufactured off site and originally lifted into place by a crane in five sections on 11 October, 2022. It was designed to the specifications of the Army Cadet Force and Highland RFCA by JAMstudio in Aberdeen and built and installed by Healthmatic Ltd.

The new building at Mastrick.

The building was officially opened by Aberdeen Lord Provost Councillor Dr David Cameron. He also serves as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen.

Councillor Dr Cameron and Mrs Cameron were welcomed to the Detachment by Cadet Executive Officer Major Stuart Eddie and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Aberdeenshire, Cadet Colour Sergeant Stella Walker.

Councillor Dr David Cameron meets Major Stuart Eddie as Cadet Colour Sergeant Stella Walker looks on.

He then inspected the cadets, including Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Instructor Keira Melville, before making a speech and unveiling a plaque, officially opening the building.

Councillor Dr Cameron said: “What a wonderful place you’ve got here. You all look very smart and I hope you enjoy your cadet careers and whatever you do afterwards. The cadets will set you up very well for your future lives.”

He added: “I hope you all have many years of pleasurable activities in this hall.”

Councillor Dr Cameron unveils the plaque, declaring the building open.

Councillor Dr Cameron then kindly presented a medal to a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) and promoted a cadet.

Captain Alexander Mathers received the second clasp to his Cadet Force Medal, marking 24 years of service to Army Cadets. He is Officer Commanding for Vittoria Company with ten Detachments coming under his responsibility, seven in Aberdeen City including Drums & Pipes and three others located in Stonehaven, Banchory and Aboyne.

Cadet Brown was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant.

Highland RFCA Chair, Wing Commander Dr David Caddick, making a speech.

A speech from Highland RFCA Chair, Wing Commander Dr David Caddick, followed.

The Chair said: “It gives me great pleasure to stand inside this splendid building. It’s part of the Betterment of the Cadets Estate Project which has seen more than 50 sites throughout the Highland region renovated.

“I hope you will enjoy this facility and make the most of it. I’d also like to pay tribute to the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Without them there would be no Detachment, and without them there would be no Cadets.”

The Chair also thanked HRFCA Estates Officer North East MJ Malcolm for her work in bringing the project together.

A tour of the facility followed along with a demonstration of activities.

Cadets demonstrate first aid.

Other guests at the opening included Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson, 2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Sean Fraser, Deputy Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Chris Downs and Highland RFCA’s Northern Area Committee Vice Chair and Employer Representative Member as Aberdeenshire Council’s HR Manager Glenda Gray. Aberdeenshire Council is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holder.