June 18, 2024
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Employers from the Highland RFCA-area gathered at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on 13 June to receive Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards.
The reception and presentations, hosted by Highland RFCA on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, formally recognised the support the eight organisations give to the Armed Forces community.
On the night, six organisations were on hand to collect their Silver Awards for 2024 from Commander 51 Infantry Brigade & HQ Scotland, Brigadier Jody Davies MBE. Pictured above are (from left) the Silver Award recipients: DLR Media Limited, O’Neill Ross Limited, Helen Williamson Financial Planning, Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Gogar Services Limited, and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust with (centre, left) Brigadier Jody Davies and (centre, right) Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson MBE DL, Highland RFCA Chief Executive.
Guests and hosts had the chance to network.
Among the other military representatives were Lieutenant Colonel Gary Giles (Chief of Staff at Royal Navy Regional Command Scotland and Northern Ireland), Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark (SO1 Engagement, Communications & Outreach at 51 Infantry Brigade & HQ Scotland), Major Heather Lawrie (Second-in-Command at 32 Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals), and Wing Commander Paul Carrier (Royal Air Force Engagement Officer).
The evening began with employers and their guests being piped into the venue by Cadet Pipe Major Magnus Porter of the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF) and welcomed by Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson.
Guests arriving for the ceremony.
An opportunity for networking followed before guests were invited outside to enjoy a superb musical performance from the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion (ACF) under the guidance of Pipe Major Conner Pratt and Drum Major Cameron Goodsir-Maguire.
The audience appreciated the music, despite the rain.
Prior to the presentions, Brigadier Davies said: “We are here this evening to give recognition to employers as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. There are over 1,600 Silver Award holders, and eight are being awarded in Highland RFCA’s area this year. We hope that now you too have reached the Silver standard you will go on to become advocates to other businesses and organisations on behalf of the defence family and thereby qualify to be considered for the Gold-level Award.
“On behalf of Defence, I thank you for your commitment and for all you are doing for us.”
The 2024 winners in the HRFCA-area were:
Brigadier Jody Davies delivers his speech to the Silver Award winners.
Monifieth Medical Practice and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) will be presented with their Silver Awards at a later date.
◼︎ The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises those who demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge from the nation that those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly.
Silver winners must meet certain criteria, including: employing at least one individual from the Armed Forces community, actively ensuring that their workforce is aware of their positive policies, demonstrating support to mobilisations of Reservists and providing at least five days’ additional leave for training.
#SilverERS24
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- Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels receiving the Award from Brigadier Davies.
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- DLR Media Limited.
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- Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
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- Gogar Services Limited.
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- Helen Williamson Financial Planning.
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- O’Neill Ross Limited.
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- Brigadier Jody Davies arrives.
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- Helen Williamson arrives as Cadet Pipe Major Magnus Porter plays.
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- Guests from Gogar Services Limited arriving.
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- Anna Bluman of DLR Media Limited makes her entrance.
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- Guests enjoy the hospitality at The Black Watch Castle and Museum.
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- Silver Award attendees were welcomed by Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson (left).
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- The Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force entertain.
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- The Pipes and Drums.
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- Pipers and a drummer.
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- Drummers from the band.
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- Pipers from the band.
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- The band in front of Highland RFCA flags.
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- The Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force.
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- The musical performance was enjoyed by guests and their military hosts.
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- The band braved the damp conditions.
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- Brigadier Jody Davies (left) and Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson congratulate the band leader on an excellent performance.
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- The Award certificates ready to be presented.
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- The award ceremony gets under way.
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- Guests listen to speeches.
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- Daniel Rosie and Anna Bluman from DLR Media Limited.
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- Stuart Banks (left) and Thomas Paige of Gogar Services Limited.
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- Stuart and Katie Banks from Gogar Services Limited.
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- The Fife Sports and Leisure Trust team with Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson.
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- Harry Ross and Helen O’Neill from O’Neill Ross Limited.
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- Highland RFCA Regional Employer Engagement Directors Ray Watt (left) and Roy McLellan.
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- Guests chat to Army Cadets.
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- HRFCA’s Ray Watt (right) with Cadet Sergeant Alyssa Spinks who was celebrating her 18th birthday on the night.
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- Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson with Deirdre Joy of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
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- Laura Mihailov and Lana Turnbull of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
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- Members of the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force with Deirdre Joy from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
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- Cadet Pipe Major Magnus Porter.
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- Brigadier (Retired) Dodson chats to Cadet Pipe Major Magnus Porter (right).
