Caithness cadets lead silverware success in skills competition

Caithness army cadets led their team to success in an Inter-Service Skills Competition.

Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Tristan Jack (17) and Cadet Sergeant Kieran Sutherland-West (17), from 1st Battalion The Highlanders, took part in the annual Scottish Cadet Military Skills Competition held at Barry Buddon training area, near Dundee.

The two-day competition saw Tristan, from Farr detachment, and Kieran, from Castletown detachment, along with eight other cadets from the battalion, make up the 10-strong Highlander team who competed against 13 cadet teams from Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force units across Scotland. The teams were put through their paces in a series of stands, ranging from obstacle courses and first-aid scenarios to patrol skills and shooting.

At the end of the competition the battalion team was placed third overall but was named the Top Army Cadet Team for being the highest-placed ACF outfit. The Highlanders were also named the inaugural winners of the competition’s new Falling Plates shooting competition.

Both trophies were presented to RSM Jack, who was the team’s captain, by Colonel Patrick O’Meara, Colonel Cadets 51 Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland.

Selection for the team required the cadets to attend two training weekends at Fort George leading up to the competition.

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