Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has highlighted the role of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations in Scotland in supporting the Reservists and Cadets as well as the wider Scottish community.Colonel Angus Taverner, Chairman of Highland RFCA spoke about the unique role that the RFCAs play in supporting the Reserve Forces and the Cadets across Scotland, and their overarching role of engaging with the communities from who these citizen volunteers and young people are drawn. Colonel Taverner welcomed the RFCAs’ challenge of supporting the renewed emphasis being placed on reliance of the Reserve Forces to form an integral and vital part of the UK’s Armed Forces in the future. The RFCAs’ role in supporting both Reservists and their employers is a key element in delivering this force. Whilst the amount of time that Reservists commit will marginally increase, the expectation is that they will be better trained and more closely integrated with the Regular Force, with increased opportunities to train and serve on operations both at home and abroad.Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife had the opportunity to meet both Reservists and members of the Cadet Forces from across Scotland and talk about their role in the community as well as current issues and challenges. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:“I was delighted to have the opportunity to find out more about the role of the RFCAs in Scotland in support of the Reserves and Cadets and to meet representatives across all three Services.“Across Scotland there are in the region of 3,000 Reservists and 11,000 Cadets along with their Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. These are located in some 60 Reserve and 270 Cadet Centres across Scotland.“The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations give youngsters an experience that is both challenging and fun, but importantly develops their self-confidence, leadership, respect for others and imbues a sense of responsibility and citizenship amongst young people aged 13-18.“The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations in Scotland have gone from strength to strength in recent years and I was pleased to learn about exciting plans to expand the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ and recruit more Adult Volunteers.” ENDS