Moray Council has pledged to hire more workers from the military community after receiving official recognition for its efforts in supporting members of the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday presented local authority ambassadors with a bronze award in recognition of its defence employer scheme.
The honour was awarded in acknowledgment of the council’s positive role in employing staff who are, or have served as, part of the armed forces community at the RAF Lossiemouth airbase and Kinloss Barracks.
It also takes on workers whose spouses or relatives work at military bases, or who have retired from service themselves.
Commanding Officer of 39 Engineer Regiment at the barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Marsden, met with the council’s armed forces champion Chris Tuke yesterday to hand over the accolade.
Mr Tuke, himself a former RAF serviceman, is a staunch supporter of the council’s military links and backed the authority’s application for the prize.
The Heldon and Laich member extolled the work ethic of the employees the council has taken on from a military background.
He said: “I am delighted that we have achieved this recognition
“There are numerous staff employed by Moray Council from the local military community – past and present – and they bring a high level of expertise, commitment and dedication with them.
“By achieving this award, Moray Council becomes one of only 19 local authorities in the UK to sign up to this scheme and one of only two in Scotland.”
The ceremony was attended by council employees who embody the bond between the military and the local authority.
Council engineer Katie Burton, whose husband is a Typhoon pilot at RAF Lossiemouth, beamed with pride as the honour was presented.
In accepting the bronze award, Moray Council reinforced its commitment to supporting military personnel and their families with key roles in the local authority.
The council had to prove that it sought to promote an armed forces-friendly environment, and was open to employing reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses and partners.