August 18, 2022
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The Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (HRFCA) took employers to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo twice during August.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has made a spectacular return to Edinburgh Castle after a three-year absence, taking place during August 5-27. Over 800 performers from across the globe – including 250 Pipers, Drummers and Musicians from UK military bands – are taking part. This year’s show theme is ‘Voices’, celebrating and representing the collective power and connection of voice with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision.
On August 9, HRFCA’s Head of Engagement Michelle McKearnon and Deputy Chief Executive Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Andrew Macnaughton invited employers along to The Edinburgh Tattoo. The employers included Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holders Amazon and Scottish Ambulance Service, Covenant signatories and ERS Bronze Award holders Crieff Hydro and Wee Tea Company, and Women’s Enterprise Scotland who are one of the recipients of Armed Forces Covenant funding for their project supporting Armed Forces’ spouses and partners.
The guest were impressed with the fantastic performances and location. It was also a great opportunity for like-minded employers and businesses to network.
HRFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Directors (REEDs) Roy McLellan and Ray Watt, Admin Officers Danielle Barclay and Hayley Munro, and Michelle McKearnon hosted another employer night on August 17. Employers included Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Defence ERS Award holders in the HRFCA-area.
The majority of the guests were Covenant signatories and ERS Silver Award holders: Bristow Helicopters Ltd, Dales Marine Services, EVi Charge Points, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, IES Callenberg Ltd (Trident Maritime Systems), Networks of Wellbeing, NHS Fife, NHS Tayside, Shilling & Fitz and University of Aberdeen. NHS Golden Jubilee and Sport Aberdeen are Covenant signatories and ERS Gold Award holders, and Dundee Football Club is a Covenant signatory and ERS Bronze Award holder.
The employers were delighted to also have the opportunity to interact with three female Reservists from 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.
Also on August 17, HRFCA’s Chairman Captain (Retd) Nick Dorman and Andrew Macnaughton hosted a Cadet-themed VIP night. The VIP guests included HRFCA member Dr Margi Vilnay, a lecturer in Structural Engineering and Director of Public Engagement & Outreach for the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee as well as Vice Chair of the Council of Military Education Committees (COMEC). The University of Dundee is one of the ERS Silver Award holders in the HRFCA-area.
All the events were co-hosted with Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (LRFCA), with forces-friendly employers attending from both RFCAs.
