News

Celebrating the achievements of Queensferry’s Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets

On Thursday 4 December 2025, TS Lochinvar held its Annual Awards Evening in the Priory Church, bringing together cadets, families, volunteers, civic guests and community partners to recognise the achievements and development of our young people over the past year.

This year’s format placed the cadets at the heart of the evening. Each young person reflected on their year, sharing what they had achieved and what they hoped to accomplish next. Their confidence, honesty and enthusiasm set the tone for a memorable and uplifting event.

Representatives from the Royal Navy Association (West Lothian Branch) and the Rotary Club of South Queensferry joined us, and the evening was guided by our Padre, Rev Dr Iain MacRobert RNR, who led prayers, music and commentary throughout.

Cadet Presentations

Each section delivered a short presentation showcasing their teamwork, communication and skills:

Junior Sea Cadets
Introduced by NEC Jake W in his final duty as a Junior Cadet, the Juniors presented a lively first-aid demonstration that highlighted their teamwork and quick decision-making.

Royal Marines Cadets
Led by MC Grace H, the RMC detachment challenged parents to a target indication exercise. Their clarity and confidence displayed the progression of fieldcraft skills within the section.

Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadet Section delivered a demonstration on equipment and preparation, highlighting safe practice, appropriate kit and readiness for varied training conditions.

Section Awards

Junior Cadets (Presented by Sgt Paul Hendry)

• Most Improved Junior: JCFC Katie P

• Most Committed Junior: NEC Jake W & LJC Archie Q (Joint)

• Most Helpful Junior: AJC Hugo S

Royal Marines Cadets (Presented by CSgt John Dickson)

• Most Improved Royal Marine Cadet: MC Evie S & MC Grace H (Joint)

• Most Committed Royal Marine Cadet: MC Paul M
  (One further RMC award to be presented at a later date due to illness.)

Sea Cadets (Presented by PO Tavern)

• Most Improved Sea Cadet: Cdt Edward Q

• Most Committed Sea Cadet: CFC Elliott C

Unit Awards

Announced by the Commanding Officer and presented by divisional leads:

• Waterborne Award: To be presented at a later date

• Community Champion: AC Katie S

• Smartest Uniform: Cdt Isaac M

Patrick Clunas Trophy – Outstanding Cadet
Awarded to AC Murray W in recognition of his exceptional service, leadership and commitment throughout the year.

Qualifications

BTEC Level 1 certificates were presented by the outgoing Executive Officer, SLt Tony Belli, to:

• AC Murray W

• AC Katie S

• MC Paul M

Farewell to Petty Officer Cadet Ewan Tavern

A formal citation was read for Petty Officer Cadet Ewan Tavern, who completed nearly eight years of cadet service upon turning 18. His dedication, achievements and leadership were recognised with a framed display of his badges and qualifications, prepared by his father and Divisional Officer.

Mrs MacKenzie of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry presented Ewan with a Special Recognition Certificate, linked to his earlier nomination for the Ron Ainsworth Trophy. It was a significant and moving moment for the unit.

Heritage Presentation

To close the evening, Padre MacRobert shared recent historical findings relating to the Priory and its naval connections. He presented plaques from HMS Lochinvar and HMS Temeraire to the Commanding Officer, symbolising the heritage carried by the unit and the responsibility of preserving that legacy for future generations.

Acknowledgements

TS Lochinvar extends sincere thanks to:

• The cadets for their effort, enthusiasm and teamwork

• Parents and carers for their ongoing support

• The volunteer team for their dedication

• The Royal Navy Association and Rotary Club for attending and supporting our young people

• The Priory Church for hosting the event

The Awards Evening was a fitting celebration of the commitment and achievements of our cadets, and a proud reminder of the strength and potential within our community.

By OC Katie and AJC Hugo
28 September 2025 – Musselburgh

On the 28 September 2025, two cadets from TS Lochinvar – OC Katie and AJC Hugo – travelled to Musselburgh to take part in the District Football Fun Day, proudly representing their unit alongside cadets from across the district.

“We were both really excited – but also a bit nervous – because we didn’t know anyone else who was going. When we arrived, we were split into different teams made up of cadets from all over the district. At first it felt strange not knowing anyone, but we remembered what we’ve learned at Lochinvar about confidence and teamwork. We introduced ourselves, started chatting, and soon everyone was getting along.”

Each team played several matches throughout the day, with the winning sides progressing to the finals. Both Katie and Hugo’s teams reached the final matches – an impressive achievement in itself. Hugo’s team went on to take first place, while Katie’s team proudly secured second.

“Even though we started the day as strangers, by the end we’d made new friends and great memories. We learned that no matter where you come from, if you give it your best and work together, you can achieve anything.”

The event was a great reminder of what Sea Cadets is all about – teamwork, determination, and friendship – and a fantastic example of our cadets putting those values into practice on and off the field.

“A Cadet’s Log” celebrates the voices of our cadets – their experiences, achievements, and adventures.
Have a story to tell? Speak with your Divisional Officer or Detachment Commander – your log could be next!

On Thursday 15th May 2025, during a scenic outdoor evening colours ceremony at T.S. Lochinvar, two of our Junior Sea Cadets were recognised for completing key developmental modules in their Sea Cadet journey.

Able Junior Cadet A Quinn was awarded the Green Badge for completing the Outdoor & Recreation modules. These modules encourage resilience, independence, and a sense of adventure — from learning about weather and shelter building to healthy lifestyle choices and navigation skills.

Junior Cadet First Class I MacRobert received the Yellow Badge after completing the Community & Citizenship modules. These activities promote personal responsibility, teamwork, and engagement with the local community, helping cadets understand their role as active citizens.

The badges were presented by Lt (SCC) Andy Malarky RMR, our Officer-in-Charge, in front of the Junior Section and Royal Marines Cadets. This moment captured the spirit of our Unit: progress through effort, learning through doing, and celebration through shared pride.

The Junior Sea Cadet Programme provides a fun, safe, and structured environment for young people ages 10 and 11. It builds confidence, leadership, and character — preparing them for life both in and out of uniform.

Bravo Zulu, Cadets Quinn and MacRobert.

At TS Lochinvar, we are proud to celebrate the achievements and experiences of our cadets.
Recently, OC Smith had the incredible opportunity to represent Edinburgh District and Northern Area at the HMS Raleigh Drill Nationals 2025. She shares her story with us in her own words:

My Experience

"When I first joined Sea Cadets, I knew I would enjoy it — but I never imagined just how many amazing opportunities it would give me.
On 25 April 2025, I travelled with cadets from Edinburgh District and Northern Area to HMS Raleigh, to take part in the National Drill Competition.

We had trained hard for our Continuity Drill Display, and stepping onto the famous drill square at Raleigh was a moment I’ll never forget. Marching there, knowing the history and tradition behind it, made me feel incredibly proud — proud of myself, proud of my team, and proud of everything we had achieved together.

Especially getting to that point made me stop and realise how far Sea Cadets has brought me — not just in drill, but in confidence, discipline, and belief in myself.

It wasn’t just a competition. It was the chance to represent my district, my area, and everything I’ve worked towards since the first day I put on the uniform.
Sea Cadets has given me so much more than I ever expected, and being part of the Nationals at Raleigh is an experience I’ll always remember".

Why This Matters

OC Smith’s journey reminds us all why Sea Cadets exists: to offer young people extraordinary opportunities to challenge themselves, to grow, and to discover their full potential.
We are incredibly proud of her achievement, and we look forward to seeing where her Sea Cadet experience takes her next. Bravo Zulu!

On Saturday 26 April 2025, cadets from T.S. Lochinvar (Queensferry Sea and Royal Marines Cadets) proudly supported CleanFerry’s Spring Beach Clean, helping to care for the local coastline we call home.

Earlier this year, T.S. Lochinvar approached CleanFerry for advice on organising an environmental clean-up. Their timing aligned perfectly with CleanFerry’s planned event, offering an ideal opportunity for cadets to join an established community effort.

Ten cadets and three adult volunteers from the unit worked alongside residents to help clear litter from Hawes Beach and Longcraig Beach, gathering an impressive 28 bags of waste. Local restaurant 30 Knots generously provided refreshments for all volunteers afterwards.

This event also contributed meaningfully to cadet progression and learning:

• Sea Cadets fulfilled part of their Community Activity module toward advancement.

• Royal Marines Cadets built essential service experience required for promotion to Corporal.

• Junior Sea Cadets deepened their understanding of citizenship and community service as part of their 'Yellow' training phase.

CleanFerry organisers praised the cadets and volunteers, describing them as "a real credit to the unit," reflecting the pride TS Lochinvar takes in serving Queensferry.

Lieutenant (SCC) Andy Malarky RMR, said:
"Supporting our community is at the heart of who we are. Our cadets showed their pride, teamwork, and commitment—qualities that strengthen both themselves and Queensferry."

TS Lochinvar welcomes new cadets and volunteers to be part of something extraordinary. To find out more, call us on 0131 358 4662 or email enquiries@tslochinvar.org