We are the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

2025 GOLD AWARDS

Eleven employers holding Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award certificates with General Officer Scotland and two HRFCA Defence Relationship Managers.

14 employer organisations had their outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards. #GoldERS25

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2025 GOLD AWARD WINNERS

More than 200 organisations – including 14 in the Highland RFCA area – have been recognised by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community. #GoldERS25

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SILVER AWARDS CEREMONY

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards have been presented to employers that have demonstrated outstanding support to the Armed Forces. #SilverERS25

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WE URGENTLY NEED ADULT VOLUNTEERS – CAN YOU HELP?

With no military experience needed, all training provided, and the chance to earn from £1,000 or more a year, find out why most of our volunteers find the cadets one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done.

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The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the Highlands is the organisation which facilitates, supports and promotes the Volunteer Reserve Forces of all three Armed Services and the three Cadet organisations in the region. It is one of thirteen RFCAs covering the UK.

We are responsible for the wellbeing of the region’s Reserve Forces and Cadets, promoting the interests of the Armed Forces and building relationships with the local community and employers.

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Reserves

There are around 32,000 Volunteer Reservists in the UK. Coming from all backgrounds, regions and jobs, these are ordinary men and women who give up their time to train and serve alongside the Regular Forces.

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Cadets

The UK Service Cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world. Sea Cadets (as the Naval Lads’ Brigade) began life in 1856, followed by the Army Cadet Force (as the Volunteers) in 1860. They were joined by the RAF Air Cadets (as the Air Training Corps) in 1941.

Latest News

QCS International Limited pledges support

December 10, 2025

QCS International Limited was presented with the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award on 13 November. Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Manager Hayley Munro handed over both certificates to Consultant Robert Lockhart (pictured) at the organisation’s office in Cumbernauld. Robert is a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion Army Cadet Force, where

Employers updated at Aberdeen event

December 9, 2025

Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Management team hosted an update for Armed Forces-friendly employers from the North East. The November event was held at the Town and County Hall, Town House, Aberdeen. Guests from a range of organisations were greeted with refreshments and welcomed to the venue with an opening address from Councillor David Cameron, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen. Mr

Employers visit RAF Lossiemouth

December 8, 2025

Scotland’s only Royal Air Force (RAF) base, RAF Lossiemouth, hosted an Employer Engagement visit from 25 to 26 November. Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Managers, Hayley Munro and Ray Watt, attended with Armed Forces-friendly employers from the HRFCA-area. The employers included Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award holders: Aberdeen Laundry Services, Bilfinger UK, Birlinn Tech, BRAVEHOUND,

Bilfinger UK shows support for Defence

December 5, 2025

Bilfinger UK was presented with the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award on 31 October. Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Manager Ray Watt presented both certificates at the organisation’s office in Aberdeen. Ray is pictured (centre) with Sandy Bonner, President of Bilfinger Engineering and Maintenance UK, and Bilfinger UK Recruitment Manager Claire Dingwall. Bilfinger is an international

Engineering firm signs Armed Forces Covenant

December 3, 2025

Farid Hillend Engineering Ltd received the Armed Forces Covenant on 28 October. Highland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Manager Hayley Munro presented the certificate at the organisation’s production facility in Dunfermline. HR Advisor Lori Raeside is pictured holding the Armed Forces Covenant certificate. Farid Hillend Engineering Ltd specialises in the design and build of vehicles for the refuse and recycling industry. Significant

Highland RFCA welcomes new Chief Executive

December 1, 2025

Highland RFCA welcomed Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Huan Davies RM as its new Chief Executive on 1 December. He replaces Brigadier (Retired) Mark Dodson who retired on 10 October. Lieutenant Colonel Davies (pictured) commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1992. He specialised as a Royal Marines Mountain Leader, completing both the Chilean Army Winter Warfare Course and the Royal Marines Course.

Gold network meets in Crieff

November 26, 2025

Highland RFCA’s Highland Gold Network met on 10 November to again share best practice in advocacy and support for the Armed Forces. The meeting was hosted by Georgia Robertson of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels at Crieff Hydro and attended by 27 participants, with 14 of those joining remotely. Georgia is the organisation’s Talent Attraction Executive. Crieff Hydro Family of

14 organisations strike Gold

November 24, 2025

Fourteen employer organisations had their outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards. The Highland RFCA-organised event saw around 50 guests and hosts gather at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on 20 November for the ceremony. Recipients from the Highland RFCA area represented a wide range of organisations

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Reserve Forces

$Royal Navy Reserves$

Cadets