2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF Page

15/06/2026

PLEASE HELP OUR CADETS GET TO NORWAY

Please take a moment to read our fundraiser. A team of twelve 2HLDRS cadets is working hard to climb Ben Nevis and raise funds for an incredible trip to Norway in 2027, which will help them develop leadership and outdoor skills. Even if you can't donate, a quick share can help it reach someone who may be able to support their adventure!

Thanks in advance.

Army Cadets in Scotland Army Cadets UK Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

We are a team of 12 dedicated cadets working hard towards an incredible opportunity: a trip to Norway in … Andrew Hepburn needs your support for EX Nevis 2026

14/06/2026

Congratulations from all at 2HLDRS to the Scotland World Cup Squad on their win over Haiti in the wee small hours of 14 June 2026. Reel by SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

12/06/2026

A few tunes by the ACF’s National Pipes & Drums to help you all get in the mood for Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. Filmed at the Beating Retreat on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in April 2026. Reel by SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

11/06/2026

Please vote! One of our own is pictured this time …

10/06/2026

BUCKIE DC IS CARA WINNER

On 4 June 2026, the hard work and dedication of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from 1st and 2nd Battalions The Highlanders was recognised and celebrated at the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (HRFCA) inaugural Cadet Adult Recognition Awards (CARAs), held in Aberdeen’s historic Town House.

The CARAs give cadets from all three Cadet Forces an opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers who mean so much to them. Cadets were able to nominate a CFAV of their choice for an award using the online nomination form on the HRFCA website.

On the night, certificates and sponsor prizes were presented to Adult Volunteers from the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). The awards were announced by the Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron who is also Aberdeen Lord Provost. Fittingly, the award certificates were then presented by Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Aberdeen, Cadet Sergeant Major Erin Marie.

We are delighted to announce that Buckie Detachment Commander Colour Sergeant John Thomson was awarded a CARA Winner certificate and a £50 gift voucher. In addition, Second Lieutenant Ryan Collins of Stonehaven Detachment and Banff DC Colour Sergeant James Smith were awarded Highly Commended certificates.

Congratulations to all CARA recipients and many thanks to the event sponsors Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Laundry Services, Aurora Energy Services Limited, Copernicus Technology Ltd and Trident IES.

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

Army Cadets UK Army Cadets in Scotland Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

07/06/2026

04/06/2026

Good luck to the 2HLDRS nominees in tonight’s CARAs!

03/06/2026

PETERHEAD SERGEANT BECOMES LORD-LIEUTENANT'S CADET

We are delighted to announce that on the evening of 28 May 2026, at our Peterhead Hub, Cadet Sergeant Elsey was officially appointed Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet (LLC) by the Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Mr Alexander (Sandy) Manson.

Upon arrival at Boddam CTC, the Lord-Lieutenant was welcomed by 2HLDRS Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Downs. He took the opportunity to speak with the CFAVs present before inspecting the cadets on parade and chatting with them about their experiences in the ACF.

Sgt Elsey was then presented with his LLC certificate and badge by the Lord-Lieutenant, while his parents looked on with pride. Following the parade, the Lord-Lieutenant observed the cadets continuing their first aid training before everyone retired to the conference room for refreshments.

Sgt Elsey first came on strength with 2HLDRS in 2021 and since then has grown into a model cadet, impressing CFAVs with his competence and confidence. As his OC Major Peacock remarked,

“Sgt Elsey has progressed rapidly through the syllabus, impressing the adults with his leadership skills and further potential. He has completed his Junior Cadets Instructors Course (JCIC) and regularly contributes to teaching and instructing at his detachment, whilst providing leadership as the most senior cadet present at the Boddam/Peterhead Hub. According to the CFAVs at his Detachment, his contributions and assistance are outstanding, and he is regarded as an invaluable asset to the training team”.

Sgt Elsey will commence his new duties as LLC for Aberdeenshire on Armed Forces Day (AFD), 27 June 2026. He is the second of four 2HLDRS cadets who are being appointed Lord-Lieutenant Cadets by their county’s Lord-Lieutenant in advance of AFD.

Congratulations to Sgt Elsey on this well-deserved appointment. We wish him every success in his new role.

Army Cadets UK Army Cadets in Scotland Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire

02/06/2026

To launch Volunteers Week we thought we’d take a look back at our adult volunteers in action at AC25. If you’re aged 18 or over, this could be you. No previous military experience required, full training will be given. Do your bit to shape the citizens of tomorrow. Reel by SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

30/05/2026

- BREAKING - BREAKING - BREAKING -

2HLDRS Clean Up at 51X Brigade Archery Competition

30 May 2026 is a day that is sure to go down in 2HLDRS sporting folklore.

On this day a team of relatively inexperienced cadet archers travelled down from Aberdeenshire to Dunblane. There they would compete against cadets from four other Scottish Battalions in the 51X Brigade Archery Championships, held in the historic surroundings of Queen Victoria School.

What followed was an outstanding day for Team 2HLDRS with our cadets delivering a simply astonishing medal haul of 9 Golds, 2 Silvers and 1 Bronze. Details below:

Junior Team Event - Gold

Cdt Davidson (RAMC)
Cdt Flett, P (Bridge of Don)
Cdt McInline (Turriff)
Cdt Port (Aboyne)

Senior Team Event - Gold

Cdt LCpl Lloyd (Stonehaven)
Cdt Cpl Milne (Turriff)
Cdt Cpl Raileanu (PARA)
Cdt Watt (Banff)

Junior Individual Event

Cdt Davidson (RAMC) - Silver
Cdt McInline (Turriff) - Gold

Senior Individual Event

Cdt LCpl Lloyd (Stonehaven) - Bronze
Cdt Watt (Banff) - Silver

As if that wasn’t enough, Team 2HLDRS also won the competition to get closest to the cone from 100 yards away - meaning the coveted cone is coming back with us!

Reflecting on the team’s success, archery instructor WO2 Lochrie said:

“What a team. What a medal haul. Amazing attitude from start to finish.”

These results are a testament not only to the team’s growing skill and determination, but also to the outstanding training provided by our experienced archery instructors in the weeks preceding the competition.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this unforgettable performance which represents a truly fantastic achievement for 2HLDRS.

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

Army Cadets in Scotland Army Cadets UK Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association