
Highland RFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Ray Watt had a busy start to June, presenting multiple Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) certificates to six supportive organisations.
Ray’s first stop was Aberdeen on 5 June to present O’Neill Ross Ltd and Hydrasun with their certificates. Artistic creation company O’Neill Ross Ltd first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in December 2021 with Hydrasun making its pledge in February 2024. Hydrasun is a recognised market leader in the provision of integrated fluid transfer, power and control solutions to the energy, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), marine, renewables and defence industries.
- Harry Ross from O’Neill Ross Ltd with his ERS Bronze certificate.
- Ray Watt (left) presented the Armed Forces Covenant and ERS Bronze Award to Hydrasun Chief Commercial Officer Craig Sangster.
By signing the Covenant, they are among the almost 12,000 organisations to pledge support to the Armed Forces community.
On 6 June, Ray made further presentations to the Saltoun Arms, Spey Valley Brewery, John Williamson Heating and Plumbing, and Flying Scotsman.
The Saltoun Arms and Spey Valley Brewery presentations both took place at the latter’s premises in Keith, with John Williamson Heating and Plumbing, and Flying Scotsman UAS Limited receiving certificates in Inverness.
The Saltoun Arms is a pub in Aberdeen. It first signed the Covenant on 26 April. Spey Valley Brewery signed its Covenant in October 2023, while John Williamson Heating and Plumbing signed on 19 February this year. Professional drone services provider Flying Scotsman UAS Limited first signed on 2 April.
- Spey Valley Brewery and the Saltoun Arms receiving their certificates. Covenant and ERS Bronze for Saltoun Arms and ERS Bronze for Spey Valley. From left: Spey Valley Brewery Head Brewer Liam Holmes, HRFCA’s Ray Watt, Spey Valley Brewery Sales Executive Wimpie Blatt, and Saltoun Arms Aberdeen and Shots Fired Bar Hires General Manager Ian Lippe.
- Rachel MacDonell from John Williamson Plumbing & Heating with the ERS Bronze Award.

Director Scott MacDonald from Flying Scotsman UAS holding its Covenant and Bronze certificates.
While O’Neill Ross Ltd was presented with the ERS Bronze Award it has also been awarded an ERS Silver Award for 2024. Find out more about our 2024 Silver winners.
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].
Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.
Find out more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.