Edinburgh Castle provided the stunning backdrop for the 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards.
The joint Scottish event on 15 October saw a total of 24 employers from the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland recognised for their outstanding support to the Armed Forces Community. The Gold Awards were presented on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO, who also serves as the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
Music was provided by The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Pipes & Drums of the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps.
Nationally, 162 organisations received the award.
Recipients from the Highland RFCA area were:
- Bespoke Resourcing Solutions Ltd
- BRAVEHOUND
- Flotation Energy Ltd
- PICTS – Poverty Intervention Charity Transforming Scotland
- Robertson Group
- Shearwater Marine Services Ltd
In addition, there were 18 recipients from the Lowland RFCA area.
Now in its twelfth year, the ERS Gold Award continues to celebrate employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding Forces-friendly policies, advocating for Defence and creating inclusive workplaces where Veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers can thrive.
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, said: “For a Veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference. These organisations have gone out of their way to make Veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported.”
All Highland recipients encourage other organisations to strengthen their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to build a more inclusive workforce while supporting Defence’s people agenda and strengthening the nation’s resilience.
