102 (Aberdeen Airport) Squadron Air Training Corps

The End of an Era.

Last night we said farewell to our most senior Cadet as FS Laurence Cowan had his final parade night before turning 20 this weekend.

Joining in October 2018, Laurence has immersed himself in many areas of the Cadet offering. This includes First Aid, achieving his Gold First Aid Instructor in 2023 and being able to use his skills to ensure 100% of our Cadets are first aid trained from the moment they step through the door. Along with great dedication as part of our drill team, particuarly as Banner Bearer for the past two years in some pretty challenging conditions! 💨

Most notably, FS Cowan spent his final year in the role as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Aberdeen City where he was able to accompany the Lord Lieutenant at many events across the City such as Tallship Races, and VE Day and Remembrance events. As our last Cadet who joined prior to the pandemic, Laurence has played a key role in helping grow over the years to what it is today. He now hands over the reigns to FS Johnston and FS Scott who will joint lead the NCO team.

At the end of the night, FS Cowan was presented with some gifts engraved with the Squadron crest, and First Aid kit to help in his future career as a Paramedic! And of course, we can't forget about his original 3822 Logbook (remember those?) from 7 years ago which he insisted The Boss signed 😂

Laurence, on behalf of the entire Squadron, thank you for everything you have done over the years. You have developed into a confident young leader and it's safe to say it will not be the same without you - don't be a stranger!

Lord Provost of Aberdeen
North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

2026, Here We Go! 🙌

With our first parade night of the year fast approaching, we can share that Intake 01/26 will be Wednesday 21st January!

Are you;

✅ Between the ages of 12-17?
✅ In S1 or above?

Why not come along to speak to our Cadets and Staff about the many great opportunities that being an Air Cadet and a member of can bring!

Spaces are filling up quick so don’t miss out, fill in the form to register your interest - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/CkSfvhaKrP?origin=lprLink

Huge congratulations to Sqn Ldr Norris, Wing Training Officer and our Sector Commander for being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people in Aberdeenshire.

Thank you for all that you have done, Sir! 👏👏

New Year Honours 2026: Celebrating Our Exceptional RAFAC Recipients! 🎖️✨

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets is incredibly proud to recognise our members named in the New Year Honours List!

A massive congratulations to our headline recipients:
⭐ Squadron Leader Stewart Norris BEM (North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC) – Awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding service to young people in Aberdeenshire.
⭐ Mrs K O'Halloran (HQ RAFAC) – Received an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 22 Group Individual Commendation for her dedicated media work supporting the VE80 commemorations.
⭐ Cadet Training Team - North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAF Leeming) – Awarded an AOC 22 Group Team Commendation for their excellence in training delivery.

Commandant RAF Air Cadets, Air Commodore Al Lewis, said: "These recipients have gone above and beyond, and their commitment stands as an inspiration to every cadet and volunteer."

Join us in the comments to celebrate their incredible success and thank them for the remarkable example they set for the next generation! 🏆

The Final Haul 🤩

We may have been heading towards the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean were slowing down! In the couple of weeks leading up to our final night, a number of badges were presented to our Cadets as part of our incredible haul of 92 badges awarded in 2025 🤯

Blue Radio - Cdts Ahmad, Campbell, Guy, Grant, Henderson, Marchlewski and Serra

Blue Space - Cdt Campbell

Blue Wings - Cpl Wills

First Class - Cdt Grant

YFA (Bronze First Aid) - Cdts Ahmad, Campbell and Guy

AFA (Silver First Aid) - FS (then Sgt) Johnston

Well done to you all! We look forward to seeing what you achieve in 2026! 🥳

Sharpening Skills 💪

At the start of December, 4 members of travelled to RAF Lossiemouth for an NCO Development and Drill Training Weekend. FS Scott, Sgt (then Cpl) McDonald, and Cpl Wills were all students on the NCO Development Level 3 course, commonly known as SNCO, designed for current Senior Cadets as well as JNCOs looking to take the next step up. Sgt Barclay was also in attendance as one of the Mentors, along with taking the lead for all things Drill during the course.

Over the weekend, the group covered many topics such as discipline, qualities of an NCO, welfare, communication, uniform and drill, generating some great discussions within their syndicates on how to apply their new knowledge both on unit and across North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC.

Well done to the 3 of you, we look forward to seeing you apply your new knowledge at ! 🫡

Combined Initial Course 🫡

In November, APO Avery spent a week down at RAF College Cranwell to complete the Combined Initial Course (CIC). Taught by the RAFAC Command and Leadership School, the course aims to teach all new uniformed CFAVs the key skills required to carry out their roles such as practical leadership tasks, discussions about diversity and the core values, and even a syndicate presentation on topics such as emotional intelligence.

At the end of the week, the group had a graduation attended by Commandant Air Cadets and Gp Cpt Wakefield as the new RAFAC Senior Volunteer Advisor. As a result of completing the course, APO Avery is now officially Plt Off Avery - congratulations Sir! 👏

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC

Season of Song 🎶

We might have finished for the year, but it’s been a busy final couple of weeks for the Squadron! Last week in his role as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Aberdeen City, FS Cowan joined LLCs from the other Cadet Forces in the City to attend the Aberdeen Lieutenancy Christmas Carol service held at St Machar's Cathedral.

Flt Lt McLachlan and Rev. Clipston were also in attendance to represent the Squadron, where throughout the evening there were many readings, songs and even harp playing to celebrate the theme of 'Love in the heart of the community'.

A very poignant service and a great way to mark FS Cowan's last duty as LLC before aging out early next year. Thank you Laurence for your hard work and dedication to represent as always! 👏👏

Lord Provost of Aberdeen
North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

Honoring Dedication 👏

As if our Awards Night last week wasn't busy enough, at the end of the night, Wg Cdr Smith took the opportunity to present WO Cooper with his King's Coronation Medal. The medal recognises uniformed Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who have completed 5 years of service as of May 2023.

As our longest-serving member of Staff, WO Cooper has contributed countless hours to the Squadron over the years, both as our Adjutant and leading the delivery of Drill, Dress and Discipline. It's safe to say, without him would not be where it is today.

Congratulations, Sir! 🎉

Here’s to next year’s Awards!

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

Moving On Up ⬆️

After handing out all of the trophies, there was a few extra surprises to hand out to some Cadets as well...

Taylor McDonald gained an extra chevron to become our newest Sergeant, whilst Murray Johnston received his crown to become a Flight Sergeant, both being presented with their new tapes by Wing WO, WO Donaldson.

We also welcomed a new Cpl onto the NCO team, with Oliver Gauld collecting his tapes at our last parade night of the year on Wednesday 👏

Massive congratulations to the newly promoted FS Johnston, Sgt McDonald and Cpl Gauld 🤩 Very well deserved, we can’t wait to see how you all get on in your new roles!

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

Thank you for joining us to help celebrate another great year of , Sir!

It’s what you’ve all been waiting for…

After presentations, enrolments and much suspense on Monday night, it's finally time to reveal our 2025 Award Winners!

🏆 Hawker Hurricane Award for Best Uniform - Cpl Taylor McDonald

🏆 Best Attendance Goblet - Cpl Taylor McDonald

🏆 Best Shot - Cpl Taylor McDonald

🏆 Battle of Britain Award for Best Recruit - Cdt Rio Mortimer-Lataix

🏆 Best NCO Quaich - FS Laurence Cowan

🏆 The Dawson Trophy for Runner Up Best Cadet - Cpl Taylor McDonald

🏆 Lt. Cdr Martin London Trophy for Best Overall Cadet - Sgt Murray Johnston

Thank you to the Lord Lieutenant, Wg Cdr Smith, and WO Donaldson for presenting the trophies to our well-deserved recipients. Huge congratulations to all our winners! Thank you for your hard work over the past year 👏👏

Lord Provost of Aberdeen
North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets