Organisations with links to Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have been recognised in the 2026 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their support for the Armed Forces community.
Paisley-based RCA Trust, Enjoy East Ren in East Renfrewshire, and NHS 24 were among 19 organisations presented with Silver Awards at the Burrell Collection on Tuesday 29 September. The Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association hosted the ceremony, which was attended by around 200 guests including reservists, cadets, adult volunteers and representatives of organisations that support the Armed Forces.
The Silver Award is the second-highest honour the Ministry of Defence gives to employers supporting the Armed Forces, recognising commitments such as extra paid leave for reservists to complete their annual training.
RCA Trust has supported people struggling with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions since 1977. Jamie Higgins, its Armed Forces Community Connector, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award as an organisation. RCA Trust has always been committed to supporting Cadets, serving personnel, veterans, and their families affected by gambling harms through education, prevention, and treatment services.”
NHS 24, which has its headquarters at the Lumina Building in Hillington, also received a Silver Award. The awards were presented by Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence.
The 2026 award-holder lists also include Gold Awards for Paisley-based JR Scaffold Services Ltd and McGill’s Bus Service Limited, which has depots in Inchinnan and Johnstone. Adman Int Ltd, based at the Sir James Clark Building in Paisley, is listed as a Bronze Award holder.
At the ceremony, Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, also presented Certificates of Meritorious Service to four Army reservists from Paisley-based 102 Field Squadron Royal Engineers, part of 71 Engineer Regiment. They were among 19 recipients recognised for their dedication to their military and civilian communities.
Staff Sergeant Jim McGowan, who completed 26 years in the Regular Army before joining the squadron as a Full-Time Reserve Service soldier, said: “It is a great privilege to receive this award.” Captain Amy McDonald said the recognition felt like acknowledgement of “the consistency I’ve delivered over the past eight years”.
Photo: Andy Todd and Jamie Higgins collect the Silver Award for Paisley-based RCA Trust from Brigadier Andy Muddiman. Photo credit: Lowland RFCA.