Guidance

Lowlands Reserves Forces' and Cadets' Association

The Lowlands Reserves Forces' and Cadets' Association (LRFCA) supports reserves, cadets and the wider military through our partnerships with employers, defence and civic communities in the Lowlands of Scotland.

Latest news

Caitlin Fitzimmons standing in Army Cadet uniform.

Caitlin Fitzimmons. Lowland RFCA Crown Copyright.

Caitlin Fitzsimmons used first aid skills, she learned with the Army Cadet Force, to help her partner’s mother when she stopped breathing and went into anaphylactic shock. Read the fully story at Cadet Force adult volunteer saves woman’s life thanks to army cadet first aid training.

Champion Cadets

Qualifications equip cadets for world of work

LRFCA advises and assists the Defence Council on issues involving the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), Army Cadet Force (ACF) and RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC) across the Lowlands of Scotland.

Two young cadets laughing and smiling in their uniform.

Young Cadets in uniform. RFCA Crown Copyright.

Since 2011, LRFCA has been working with Education Scotland to develop a suite of recognised qualifications which formalises the training young people receive and equips them with qualifications that are recognised and valued by education institutions and employers.

Read the full article at Qualifications equip Cadets for world of work.

Hero Cadet Force Adult Volunteer saves life

A Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) has been hailed a hero after saving a man’s life with vital first aid skills first learnt in the Army Cadet Force (ACF).

4 Cadets in uniform practise CPR on a dummy.

West Lowland Battalion ACF Cadets practise their first aid skills at annual camp. Copyright West Lowland Battalion ACF Cadets.

Read the full article: Hero Cadet Force Adult Volunteer saves life with first aid.

Promote the Reserves Force

Behind the camouflage: Flight Lieutenant Mark Grange

LRFCA supports the Reserve Forces of all three Services. We work closely with the Reserve units (Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force) based in the Lowlands of Scotland to support recruitment and promote their role in delivering the UK’s Defence capability.

RAF Reservist Flight Lieutenant Mark Grange dressed in full uniform smiling at the camera.

RAF Reservist Flight Lieutenant Mark Grange, of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Copyright: LO RFCA 2021.

RAF Reservist Flight Lieutenant Mark Grange (603 City of Edinburgh Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force) has been mobilised twice in the last year. From running a Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) to acting as the link between defence and civil authorities.

Read the full article at Behind the Camouflage: Flight Lieutenant Mark Grange.

Reservist diver on life under the sea

A naval reservist reveals what life is really like for a clearance diver on submarine emergencies with the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR).

Head and shoulders of Chief Petty Officer Chris Betts in uniform.

Chief Petty Officer Chris Betts. Copyright LO RFCA

Read the full article: Reservist diver on life under the sea.

Engage with the local community and employers on behalf of defence

Defence recognises the value of employer support to the success of the Reserve Forces. LRFCA offers advice and support to forces-friendly employers including guiding them through the Armed Forces Covenant and the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme.

Viking vehicles driving through snowy terrain in Norway.

Viking vehicles driving in Norway. UK MOD Crown Copyright 2020.

LRFCA was pleased to be able to give senior executives from around the United Kingdom the unique opportunity of visiting Royal Marines Reserve units taking part in Exercise Harespring - cold weather warfare training in northern Norway.

Read the full article at Employers on Norwegian Exercise with Royal Marines.

Provide the best place to work and train

LRFCA is responsible for the upkeep and management of the Reserve and Cadet Estate, comprising more than 600 Army Reserve Centres and Cadet facilities across 136 sites.

Exterior shot of Drumchapel ACF Cadet Centre.

Drumchapel ACF Cadet Centre. Lowland RFCA Crown Copyright.

Despite enjoying high Cadet turn-out, Drumchapel ACF hut had become desperately unsuitable and was deemed uneconomical to repair. LRFCA decided to take action, which led to the complete refurbishment of Drumchapel’s old Police Station, to create a safe and suitable Cadet facility. After months of delay and years of hard work, Drumchapel ACF can finally enter their new home.

Read the full story at Drumchapel’s Old Police Station converted into new Army Cadet Force facility.

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Updates to this page

Published 26 February 2021
Last updated 20 May 2021 + show all updates
  1. Added 2 new articles to latest news sections.

  2. Added a new reservist case study.

  3. First published.

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