Sport Aberdeen had its outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2022 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards.

Hosted by Highland and Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, the prestigious event took place in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle on Thursday 3 November.

Nationally, 156 organisations received the gold award however in Scotland alone, Sport Aberdeen was one of 16 employer organisations to receive the award.

Nickie Scorgie, Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (HR&OD) and Dean Phillips, Chair of the HR&OD Committee and Trustee Director attended the ceremony to represent Sport Aberdeen.

Guests at the event included: General Officer Scotland Major General Bill Wright, Head of the Reserves Commodore Martin Quinn, Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland (NRCSNI) Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Deputy Commander of HQ 51st Infantry Brigade Colonel Tony Phillips, and Air Officer Scotland AVM Ross Paterson.

Music was provided by Private Murray from 7SCOTS and The Royal Marines Scotland Corps of Drums.

General Wright said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to represent the Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, at the 2022 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards for Scotland.

“Your willingness to allow and support your workforces to become members of the UK’s reserve forces is quite possibly the most important deciding factor for the potential Reservist. Your foresight in recognising the benefits the employer gains from the considerable number of military and specialist skills that are readily transferable to the civilian workplace and vice versa, is commendable.”

Nickie Scorgie, Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have our support towards the Armed Forces Community recognised and it is an honour to receive Gold status.

“It was great to be able to compare stories and experiences with the other organisations at the event and I am delighted to now be part of a Highland Gold Network team.”