Speaker Evening - Mr Colin Butcher

On Thursday 25th February we welcomed speaker Lieutenant Colin Butcher and three cadets from TS Lochinvar - Queensferry's Sea Cadet Unit at Port Edgar. Unlike Army and Air Training Corp cadets, Sea Cadet units are not funded directly by the Ministry of Defence. They receive much support from the Royal Navy in the way of uniforms and access to navy facilities for training, but are individual, self-funding charities and must cover all their own costs, including accommodation.

From being close to closure through lack of recruits, Queensferry Sea Cadets, in the last ten years, has grown to be the largest Sea Cadet unit in Scotland with a complement of around sixty Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets. The aim of the Sea Cadets is to give young people the best possible start in life through nautical training, adventure and fun. Its activities build confidence and cadets can gain qualifications in such subjects as seamanship, marine engineering and catering.

Junior Cadet Kirstry Megson, Cadet Amy Hallas and Able Cadet Declan Stewart talked enthusiastically about their experiences. It was clear that by joining Queensferry Sea Cadets, these youngsters were not only building friendships and learning skills, but were taking pride in the many local community projects with which the cadets become involved.

Lieutenant Butler concluded his talk by outlining the unit's plans to negotiate a long-term lease with City of Edinburgh Council and erect a new structure next to their exisiting building which would house a main deck, offices and class rooms. The cost of fulfilling this would be around £350,000, and the cadets are now seeking support from organisations, companies and individuals whose sponsorship is vital in achieving this splendid ambition. To find out more, contact Queensferry Sea Cadets, Port Edgar Marina, Queensferry EH30 9SQ or email queensferryscc@hotmail.co.uk