First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, visited the ship last Thursday to meet Royal Naval Reservists and recognise their service.

The HMS Scotia is the east of Scotland’s Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) unit and home to around 100 men and women. Members of the ship’s company, together with colleagues from their Dundee satellite unit, Tay Division, formed up on the parade ground to welcome the professional head of the Royal Navy.

In an upbeat address to the ship’s company, Admiral Zambellas highlighted the exciting future that lies ahead, with new vessels such as the Queen Elizabeth, currently being fitted out at Rosyth, and recent economic commitment to UK defence and security underpinning his optimistic view. He said there was “no more honourable cause” than that being pursued by reservists and highlighted how he saw the Royal Navy and RNR as a partnership - one Royal Navy family, together with friends in other international navies.

Admiral Zambellas was also tasked with handing out awards, including presenting a Volunteer Reserves Service Medal to HMS Scotia member Lieutenant Felicity Chisholm (left) in recognition of 10 years of service to the RNR.

“My reserve commitment is a hugely important part of my life,” said working mum Lt Chisholm. “To have my medal presented to me by the First Sea Lord is an honour and has made this significant milestone even more special.” Following the award presentation, Admiral Zambellas toured the unit observing drill night training activities including medical, fire-fighting and weapons handling as well as a command, leadership and management exercise.

These are key components of the high quality naval general training all reservists receive in addition to their specialist role training, so that they are fully prepared to join the Royal Navy on operations.

Admiral Zambellas was hosted by HMS Scotia’s Commanding Officer, Commander Andy Poulton-Watt, and the unit Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Knowles.

The visit concluded with an informal reception where reservists and their families had the chance to talk to Admiral Zambellas about life as a reservist.