2nd Battalion The Highlanders ACF Page

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

14/08/2026

Media Cadets Complete First Mission

As mentioned previously, AC26 saw the launch of our very own Media Cadets. When our Battalion Media Officer was unable to attend AC26 due to injury, thirteen 2HLDRS cadets stepped up and volunteered to assist our CFAVs with media coverage.

The Media Cadet initiative was first trialled by the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders under Brigade Media Officer WO2 Joe Ash, where it has proved to be a fantastic success.

It has been great to see AC26 through the eyes of the Battalion’s first Media Cadets, and we look forward to seeing many more events captured from their unique perspective.

In the meantime, here’s a showcase of some of their best shots from Annual Camp.

SSgt Smith
Battalion Media Officer

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

12/08/2026

RECENT CADET PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to the following 2HLDRS Junior NCOs on their promotions:

Cadet to Lance Corporal

Freddy Evans (Turriff, 08/03/26)

Lance Corporal to Corporal

Joshua Rees (Turriff, 08/03/26)

08/08/2026

2HLDRS @ ABOYNE GAMES

On 1 August 2026, twelve 2HLDRS cadets and five CFAVs travelled to Royal Deeside to provide support to the annual Aboyne Highland Games.

During the event, cadets assisted the Aboyne Games Committee by manning the entrance gates and handing out wristbands to visitors. Cadets also helped run our recruitment stand, engaging with members of the public and providing information on the Battalion and the many opportunities available within the Army Cadets.

A huge thank you to all our cadets and CFAVs for their hard work and commitment, particularly those who finished Annual Camp a day early in order to attend the Games.

SSgt Smith Battalion Media Officer

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