Fourteen employer organisations had their outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards.
The Highland RFCA-organised event saw around 50 guests and hosts gather at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on 20 November for the ceremony.
Recipients from the Highland RFCA area represented a wide range of organisations and companies.
They were:
- 20/20 Business Insight Limited
- Andron Facilities Management
- Argyll and Bute Council
- Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels
- DLR Media Limited
- Falkirk Football Community Foundation
- Fife Sports and Leisure Trust
- H.Q. Spirits
- Glenhead Engineering Ltd
- Gogar Services Limited
- NHS Fife
- Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)
- O’Neill Ross Ltd
- Wings For Warriors
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recognises the positive role employers play in supporting Defence and inspiring others to do the same. Nationally, more than 200 organisations were recognised in 2025 by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.
The winners have all been powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for Reservists.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
There are now more than 1,000 organisations that hold Gold Awards. The Scheme is delivered by Defence Relationship Management. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
Principal guest at The Black Watch Castle and Museum was General Officer Scotland, Major General Robin Lindsay.
General Lindsay presented the Awards and delivered a speech on the Employer Recognition Scheme and the value of members of the Defence community to society.
He said: “What a great privilege it is to be with you here tonight to congratulate you on your fantastic Gold Awards. It’s a remarkable achievement and shows an extraordinary investment in our people, whether that be cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or members of the Reserve or Regular Forces.
“By engaging with Defence and with the people in Defence, you are engaging really in our pursuit of both the security of the United Kingdom and also social value. So, for that, thank you very much indeed. It’s great to be with you here and to celebrate your success and support for the Armed Forces, for Defence and for the people in Defence.”
A meal followed with informative speeches delivered by an Armed Forces Reservist, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, and a cadet.
Pipe music was provided by Glenalmond College Combined Cadet Force.
