Five Army Reservists and eight Cadet Force Adult Volunteers have been recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire for their outstanding service.
The ceremony, hosted at Airdrie's Gartlea Community Centre, saw recipients take home their Certificates of Meritorious Service from Lady Susan Haughey CBE.
The annual Lord-Lieutenants’ Certificates of Meritorious Service Awards for Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and the appointment of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are recognised as exceptional honours throughout the Ministry of Defence.
Lady Haughey, His Majesty The King’s personal representative for Lanarkshire, signed and presented each certificate to thank the recipients for their significant contribution to Defence.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "It is with the greatest pleasure that I offer my congratulations to all those who have achieved the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service this year.
"This award is a testament to the ceaseless commitment and resilience that members of the Reserve Forces bring to both their military and civilian lives, going above and beyond in all that they do.
"The contributions of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers is equally valuable and deserving of commendation. The level of dedication that these volunteers demonstrate in giving their time and talents to supporting the young people in their communities, helping them develop so many practical skills and become confident, capable adults is more than admirable."
In total, five Army Reservists from local units achieved Certificates of Meritorious Service. The recipients are currently serving with 6th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS) and 32 Signal Regiment.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, Brigadier Ben Wrench, Commander 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, expressed his gratitude to the Reservists who diligently supported their Regular counterparts through many challenges over the past two years, including the COVID pandemic, COP26 and the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
As well as presenting certificates to the winning Reservists and CFAVs, the Lanarkshire ceremony also celebrated the appointment of two new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.
Flight Sergeant Calum Stephens of 1271 (Bathgate Squadron) Air Training Corps, who has been in post since January of this year, and Cadet Sergeant Major Luke Canavan of Glasgow & Lanarkshire Army Cadet Force will both assist the Lord-Lieutenant in her official engagements, and will serve as ambassadors for the Cadet movement.
"This is a really great honour,’ said Cadet Sergeant Major Canavan of his appointment.
"I’m really looking forward to meeting a lot of new people through this role. There aren’t many people who get this kind of opportunity and I can’t wait to make the most of it."
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