Organisations with links to Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have been recognised in the 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their support for the Armed Forces community.
Paisley-based RCA Trust, Enjoy East Ren in East Renfrewshire, and NHS 24 were among 19 organisations presented with Silver Awards at the Burrell Collection on Tuesday 29th September.
Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association hosted the ceremony at Pollok Country Park. Around 200 guests attended, including reservists, cadets, adult volunteers and representatives from organisations supporting the Armed Forces.
The Silver Award is the second-highest award the Ministry of Defence gives to employers supporting the Armed Forces. It recognises commitments such as additional paid leave for reservists to complete their annual training.
RCA Trust has supported people struggling with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions since 1977.
Jamie Higgins, Armed Forces Community Connector for RCA Trust, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award as an organisation. RCA Trust has always been committed to supporting Cadets, serving personnel, veterans, and their families affected by gambling harms through education, prevention, and treatment services.
“We are proud to have this dedication recognised through the Silver ERS Award. This recognition reflects the importance of the work we do and reinforces our commitment to ensuring those in the Armed Forces Community can access the support and resources they need.”
Enjoy East Ren provides activities to support health, happiness and wellbeing in East Renfrewshire.
Anthony McReavy, Chief Executive of Enjoy East Ren, said: “We are very proud to be awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. We have built a strong community through our Health for Heroes programme, which has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2019 to promote and support fitness for veteran members, and we welcome the recognition of the positive impact this has in supporting the Armed Forces Community.”
NHS 24, which has its headquarters at the Lumina Building in Hillington, also received a Silver Award.
The awards were presented by Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence.
Separately, the 2026 award-holder lists include Gold Awards for Paisley-based JR Scaffold Services Ltd and McGill’s Bus Service Limited, which has depots in Inchinnan and Johnstone.
Adman Int Ltd, based at the Sir James Clark Building in Paisley, is listed as a Bronze Award holder for 2026.
At the Burrell Collection ceremony, Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, also presented Certificates of Meritorious Service to four Army reservists from Paisley-based 102 Field Squadron Royal Engineers, part of 71 Engineer Regiment.
They were among 19 recipients recognised for their dedication to their military and civilian communities.
Staff Sergeant Jim McGowan said: “Having completed 26 years of service in the Regular Army, I was delighted to continue my military career as a Full-Time Reserve Service soldier with 102 Field Squadron. The past eight years have provided a wealth of rewarding opportunities, including overseas deployments supporting training exercises in Cyprus and Poland, as well as taking part in Adventure Training and charity events.
“It is a great privilege to receive this award, and I am sincerely thankful that my efforts in support of the unit and the wider Defence community have been recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant.”
Captain Amy McDonald said: “This feels like recognition for the consistency I’ve delivered over the past eight years, picking up extra jobs where needed and continually turning up with the aim of bettering the experience for every other service member.”
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “This year’s awards ceremony recognises the tremendous support that Lowland businesses and organisations give to the Armed Forces each and every day, as well as the outstanding efforts of our local Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Well done to you all and thank you for everything that you do!”
Photo: Anthony McReavy and Kirsty MacIntosh collect the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for Enjoy East Ren from Brigadier Andy Muddiman
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Staff Sergeant James McGowan of 102 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, receives his Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Captain Amy MacDonald of 102 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, receives her Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Andy Todd and Jamie Higgins collect the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for Paisley-based RCA Trust from Brigadier Andy Muddiman
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Fiona Macaulay and Ewan O’Donnell collect the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for NHS 24 from Brigadier Andy Muddiman
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Helenor Fisher and Michael Hamilton collect the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for Malin Group from Brigadier Andy Muddiman
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Major Martin Angus Borland of 102 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, collects a Certificate of Meritorious Service on behalf of his colleague Jean Holmes from the Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA
Photo: Major Martin Angus Borland of 102 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, receives his Certificate of Meritorious Service from the Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy
Photo Credit: Lowland RFCA