2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF Page

08/09/2026

2HLDRS CADETS SHOW THE WAY IN SPEYSIDE

On 5-6 September 2026, seventeen 2HLDRS cadets working towards their 2 Star and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) took part in an expedition at Tomintoul.

This was the first opportunity since Annual Camp for these cadets to put their exped skills into practice, providing a valuable chance to build confidence, teamwork and resilience in the great outdoors.

With a poor forecast for Day 1, cadets pitched their tents first thing in the morning before setting off in teams along the Speyside Way. The teams climbed the 1,866 ft summit of Carn Daimh, before beginning their descent towards the campsite in Tomintoul.

On Day 2, cadets tackled a flatter route, starting at the campsite and finishing in Strath Avon. Along the way, they enjoyed some stunning views of the River Spey and the surrounding countryside.

Well done to all 17 cadets for the hard work, determination and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the expedition and thanks to our adult volunteers who assisted over the weekend.

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

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

05/09/2026

Today we celebrate International Day of Charity and wanted to highlight the two incredible charities that support our cadets and adult volunteers.

Helping cadets make the most of every opportunity 🙌 ACCT UK provides grants to support activities including music, first aid and expeditions, while The Ulysses Trust helps bring even more cadet adventures and expeditions to life! 🏕️

We are so grateful for all the support the charities provide us! 🫶

03/09/2026

51x RUGBY TRIALS

Well done to the cadets from Team 2HLDRS who put on a fantastic show at the initial 51x Rugby Trials, held at Bannockburn Rugby Club on 29 August 2026.

We’re delighted to announce that Cdt LCpl Brainwood (Aberdeen PARA), Cdt Curnock (Aberdeen PARA), Cdt Magnus (Turriff), Cdt Michalski (Woodside), Cdt Cpl Rees (Turriff) and Cdt Flett (Bridge of Don) have all progressed to the next round!

They’ll now be hoping to secure selection to represent Scotland at the ACF Rugby Championships in England later this year.

Best of luck in the next round!

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

Army Cadets in Scotland Army Cadets UK Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Banff Rugby Club

31/08/2026

BREAKING! BREAKING! BREAKING!

Earlier today HRH The Princess Royal was greeted in Fraserburgh by the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Aberdeenshire, 2HLDRS Cadet Sergeant Elsey (Peterhead Detachment). An immensely proud moment for Sgt Elsey and the Battalion as a whole.

See below for full story, photos and clip:

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

Princess Anne is at Whitelink Seafoods in the Broch.

31/08/2026

See if you can spot yourself or your buddies in the latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter …

The latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter is here: tinyurl.com/ACFScotNews

Published by the Scotland Branch of ACCT UK.

24/08/2026

21/08/2026

The Royal Company of Archer

Many congratulations to 2HLDRS Cadet Drum Major Archer, who on 15 August 2026 joined fellow members of the National Cadet Force Pipe Band for a special performance at Balmoral Castle, organised by HRFCA.

This was the first performance by our cadets at Balmoral since the COVID pandemic, and they certainly made the most of the occasion. The band performed a variety of stirring Highland tunes, with Drummie Archer reprising her role as tenor drummer for the event.

The Lord Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, Mr Sandy Manson, took the salute before performers and audience members retired to the Castle for juice and shortbread.

This fantastic event is a great example of the unique opportunities available to cadets who follow the musical path in the ACF. As well as learning to play an instrument completely free of charge, cadets can travel and perform alongside cadets from across Scotland and the UK in some truly unique locations - from Balmoral and Edinburgh Castles to Horse Guards in London.

Could this be the hobby you’ve been waiting for?

We are always recruiting young people and adults to the Battalion’s Pipe Band, which parades at Gordon Barracks, Aberdeen, on Tuesday evenings.

If you’re aged 12-18 and interested in becoming a cadet, or 18+ and would like to volunteer as an adult instructor, come along and have a try.

No previous military (or even musical) experience is required - just enthusiasm!

Come and give it a go. You might discover a talent you never knew you had!

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

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

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

STONEHAVEN DC RECOGNISED

As our Detachments open up again after the summer holidays, we thought we’d take the opportunity to celebrate the work of another of our amazing adult volunteers.

Stonehaven Detachment Commander SSgt Hali Joji first joined 2HLDRS as a volunteer at our Woodside Detachment. Hali has been Stonehaven DC since March 2025, a post she now juggles with her role as the Battalion’s Medical Support Assistant. Many of our cadets also know her as a regular navigation, expedition and CIS instructor.

A biochemist by day at the University of Dundee, Hali can often be found on the netball court when she’s not volunteering with the Cadets, playing in the district league.

SSgt Joji’s service was recognised at AC26. On 31 July, following the final parade, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by 2HLDRS Commandant Colonel Fraser in recognition of six years’ service as an adult volunteer.

Congratulations, SSgt Joji, and thank you for everything you do for our cadets and the wider Battalion.

If you’d like to follow in SSgt Joji’s footsteps, get in touch with us by clicking on the link below. No previous military experience required, just bags of enthusiasm!

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Army Cadets in Scotland Army Cadets UK Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Angus & Dundee Battalion ACF

17/08/2026

Former Para Recognised at AC26

Many congratulations to Sergeant Phil Coates, one of three 2HLDRS adult volunteers whose service was recognised at AC26.

On 31 July 2026, following Final Parade, Sgt Coates was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by 2HLDRS Commandant, Colonel Fraser, recognising his nine years of service as an adult volunteer.

Sgt Coates originally joined 2HLDRS as a volunteer at our Aberdeen PARA Detachment and over the years has also been a regular at our Stonehaven Detachment. He is known to cadets across the Battalion for his extensive knowledge and experience in skill at arms.

Before joining the Army Cadets, Phil served for 24 years in the British Army, mainly with the Parachute Regiment. During his career, he saw action in various theatres across the globe before leaving the Army as a Sergeant.

Following his military service, Phil spent eight years driving HGVs across the country. These days, alongside volunteering with the Cadets, he also lends a hand at his local Men’s Shed - although, modestly, he says he mainly takes things easy!

Congratulations, Sgt Coates, and thank you for nine years of outstanding service and commitment to 2HLDRS.

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer
Photo by SSgt Melville Company Media Officer Vittoria

Army Cadets in Scotland Army Cadets UK Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Angus & Dundee Battalion ACF