Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 08:10 pm
On June 22, Stirling Highland Games were presented with a prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth. The award was presented to the 29 successful organisations by Major General Bill Wright, General Officer Scotland, the Army’s senior representative in Scotland.
Other military representatives at the reception and presentation included Commander Gary Farmer RN from HMS Caledonia, Colonel Tony Philips and Major Heather Lawrie of 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, and Group Captain Derek Johnston and Wing Commander Archie McCallum from the RAF.
The evening began with employers and their guests being piped into the venue by Cadet Hay and welcomed by Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retd) Mark Dodson. Guests were then invited outside to enjoy a musical performance from the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force.
Stirling Highland Games President, Matt McGrandles, who was in attendance, said: “We have been working towards the Silver Award since the start of the year, so it was amazing to get the email advising us we had succeeded and had been invited to the Awards Ceremony here at The Black Watch Castle and Museum. What a fantastic venue to host the Awards and an honour to speak with Major General Wright and the other Silver Award winners. Even though we are the only highland games that have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, I am sure others will follow.”
Prior to the presentations Major General Wright said: “I am delighted to have been invited to present the awards to you tonight and have a chance to meet you all. The success of our Armed Forces in delivering defence capability is entirely dependent on our relationship with the society from which we come. Key to this relationship is the role played by employers, who not only support members of the volunteer reserve forces, but also the wider armed forces family including veterans, spouses and partners; as well as the adult volunteers who are so important to the viability and vitality of our service cadet organisations.”
The 2023 Silver Awards were presented to 29 organisations, including Stirling Highland Games, and the milestone 10,000th Armed Forces Covenant was signed in April of this year.
Stirling Highland Games will be held at Stirling Sports Village on Saturday 19th August. Guests can look forward to a day of entertainment, including highland games competitions, over 40 traders and several creative arts showcasing. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gates on the day.
Stirling Highland Games were presented with a prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award on June 22 at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth. Major General Bill Wright, General Officer Scotland, the Army’s senior representative in Scotland, presented the award to the 29 successful organisations.
The evening began with employers and their guests being piped into the venue by Cadet Hay and welcomed by Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retd) Mark Dodson. Guests were then invited outside to enjoy a musical performance from the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force.
Stirling Highland Games President, Matt McGrandles, said: “We have been working towards the Silver Award since the start of the year, so it was amazing to get the email advising us we had succeeded and had been invited to the Awards Ceremony here at The Black Watch Castle and Museum. What a fantastic venue to host the Awards and an honour to speak with Major General Wright and the other Silver Award winners. Even though we are the only highland games that have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, I am sure others will follow.”
Prior to the presentations Major General Wright said: “The success of our Armed Forces in delivering defence capability is entirely dependent on our relationship with the society from which we come. Key to this relationship is the role played by employers, who not only support members of the volunteer reserve forces, but also the wider armed forces family including veterans, spouses and partners; as well as the adult volunteers who are so important to the viability and vitality of our service cadet organisations.”
The 2023 Silver Awards were presented to 29 organisations, including Stirling Highland Games, and the milestone 10,000th Armed Forces Covenant was signed in April of this year. Stirling Highland Games will take place at Stirling Sports Village on Saturday 19th August, with a day of entertainment, including highland games competitions, over 40 traders and several creative arts showcasing. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gates on the day.
