DYWICH Attend VIP Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle as Guests of the British Army

This week, on Tuesday 6 May, Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH) was honoured to be represented at Edinburgh Castle by School Coordinators Soraya Macdonald and Jody Cataneo, who attended as VIP guests of the British Army to mark the 2nd anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Coronation.

The invitation, extended by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark MBE, recognised the ongoing partnership between the British Army and DYWICH to support the development of young people across the Highlands. Through a range of engagement activities such as the Leadership Roadshow, Elite Skills Academy, and careers fairs, the British Army has become a valued contributor to the DYW mission of preparing young people for the world of work.

The Royal Gun Salute was fired at midday from the castle’s Half Moon Battery, with Soraya and Jody enjoying prime VIP views of the ceremony. They were then invited to a private lunch at the Officers Mess alongside a small group of professionals working in youth engagement, where the Army shared its continued commitment to supporting young people far beyond military career paths.

Speaking about the experience, Jody said, “I was so honoured to have been invited by Hugo Clark and the British Army to a 21-Gun Salute. We joined a small group of people working in youth engagement for lunch at the Officers’ Mess to discuss current and upcoming Army youth programmes. This was an incredible experience and a unique opportunity to clear our preconceptions of who joins the army and recognise the wide variety of backgrounds, pathways and roles available - including being able to complete degree qualifications through the Army.”

Soraya added, “It was eye-opening to learn about the wide range of opportunities the Army offers to young people. Far from being exclusive, the Army actively welcomes individuals from lots of different backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can find their place. With structured career progression and strong support systems, the organisation is clearly committed to helping recruits grow and succeed. The decision to host the Army Expo 2025 in Scotland this year for the first time underscores the British Army’s ongoing commitment to supporting Scotland’s youth and recognising their potential."

The British Army’s work in Highland schools goes beyond recruitment. Their programmes help young people build core employability skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, discipline, and respect - attributes that benefit all sectors of the workforce.

DYWICH would like to express sincere thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark and Bob Bruce CBE DSO for their warm hospitality and continued support.