Staff sergeant instruction Leonard Cowieson from 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ Forres Detachment presented with Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service
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A dedicated volunteer has been recognised by the King’s representative in Moray for his service to the young people of the area.
Staff sergeant instruction, Leonard Cowieson (70), from 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ Forres Detachment, was presented with a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service by Major General Seymour Monro for his service to the cadets, at Forres Drill Hall.
Acting Moray Company Commander, Lieutenant Peacock, explained that, SSI Cowieson has consistently been one of the detachment’s most loyal, hard working, and reliable adult instructors.
He said: “Leonard has occupied a number of key posts within Moray Company, and contributed to a range of cadet activities across the wider Battalion, including shooting, DofE expeditions and adventure training, fieldcraft and tactics. Shooting coaching is one of his particular passions.
“As a former Scots Guardsman, he is known for setting high standards in turnout and drill.
“He is a brilliant role model to young people, and has helped transform the lives of dozens of our cadets by coaching and mentoring them, and providing fantastic opportunities they simply would not get elsewhere.”
SSI Cowieson joined the Army Cadet Force in October 2006 as an instructor with Moray Company’s Nairn Detachment.
He transferred to Elgin Detachment to assist in 2008 where later that year he was appointed to Moray’s Cadet Administrative Assistant. His duties included requesting uniform for the Company’s six detachments, ensuring each detachment’s building was maintained and equipment for planned training event was available.
In 2010, he took a step back and become an instructor again, this time at Moray’s Culloden Detachment.
In 2013, Leonard transferred to teach at Forres Detachment where was appointed as the Detachment’s Commander earlier this year.
On top of his Detachment duties, he is also a qualified Adventure Training instructor through the cadets. He holds qualifications in skiing and hillwalking, making sure the cadets take full advantage of his knowledge by attending Battalion-held adventurous training weekends.
Lt Peacock added: “As our Company continues to recover from the damage inflicted by the Covid pandemic, we are particularly grateful to SSI Cowieson for the crucial role he has played in helping us to rebuild.
“He has taken on responsibility for running our Forres Detachment, and we are starting to see the positive impact of his stewardship.
“He thoroughly deserves this award and the recognition that comes with it.”
1st Battalion the Highlanders ACF provides challenging adventure, sporting and community activities to inspire young people to achieve success in life while having fun.
For more information contact Graeme Wells, 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force Battalion Media Officer on PRO1hldrsacf@armymail.mod.uk or visit armycadets.com.
