2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF Page

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

29/05/2026

The boys and girls of the ACF National Pipes and Drums head back into Edinburgh Castle to the tune of The Black Bear at the end of the April 2026 Beating Retreat. Reel by SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

28/05/2026

2 STAR FIELDCRAFT ALBUM

On 15-17 May 2026, cadets from across 2HLDRS travelled to the Fort George Training Area for our 2 Star Fieldcraft Training Weekend. Cadets took part in a range of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, leadership and individual fieldcraft skills within a challenging outdoor environment.

Throughout the weekend, cadets demonstrated great determination, resilience and professionalism while developing their knowledge in areas such as navigation, harbour drills, fire manoeuvre, contact and break contact drills and patrolling skills, all whilst living in the field under the stars.

A huge well done to all cadets, CFAVs, and senior cadets involved for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the exercise. It was another fantastic example of our cadets stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing the Cadet Experience.

WO2 Black - CTO Vittoria Company

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

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

SGT MASSON HAS LANDED

Some photos of Cadet Sergeant Masson of our Inverurie Detachment who has arrived in Norway as part of Ex Troll Challenger. Good luck to him on his big trek which starts today.

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