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Highland Council is presented with gold award for the Defence Employers’ Recognition Scheme which recognises the authority advocating the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces in Sutherland and the rest of the region – armed forces and veterans’ champion councillor Roddy Balfour was presented the accolade at a reception in Edinburgh Castle


By Ian Duncan

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Councillor Roddy Balfour receives the gold award from Lieutenant General James Swift The Ministry of Defence’s HR Director, together with Jim McCreath and Jane Henderson from Highland Council’s human resources team.
Councillor Roddy Balfour receives the gold award from Lieutenant General James Swift The Ministry of Defence’s HR Director, together with Jim McCreath and Jane Henderson from Highland Council’s human resources team.

Councillor Roddy Balfour, Highland Council’s armed forces and veterans’ champion, was invited to a reception held at Edinburgh Castle to receive the council’s gold award for the Defence Employers’ Recognition Scheme.

To win an award organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the employer recognition scheme.

They must also provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, and cadet force adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces.

The event's principal host was the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce and the council’s gold award was presented by Lieutenant General James Swift, The Ministry of Defence’s HR Director.

Speaking after his trip to Edinburgh to collect the award, Cllr Balfour said: “It was a huge honour to be presented with this award as it recognises the work that staff in Highland Council have carried out with colleagues in Highland and Moray and in the Military Liaison Group.

“The continued support to armed forces personnel past and present and their families is vital to the wellbeing of our communities.

“The gold award represents the highest badge of honour, and everyone involved should feel very proud.”


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