Major Neil Mclean (73), who was a member of 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force, was presented with the second clasp to the Cadet Force Medal – marking 24 years of service – in a presentation held on 4 April at Halkirk Detachment.
Major McLean joined the battalion in May 1998, where is began as an instructor with Thurso Detachment and later appointed as the Detachment’s Commander. In 2006 Neil was appointed as the Company Commander for Caithness Company, a position he held until 2014 where he took a step back focus on teaching cadets by being appointed as the new Detachment Commander for Wick Detachment. In October 2008 he once again stepped up as Company Commander for Caithness and led the company until he retired in July 2023 after 25 years of service to the Cadet Forces.
Prior to his retirement he qualified for the second clasp of the Cadet Force Medal. The medal is awarded to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers after 12 years’ service in the Cadet Forces, with a clasp awarded after every additional 6 years of service, which is worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Major Mclean was invited to attend the Company’s Halkirk Detachment to be presented with his clasp, which he received it from Ross Company Commander Major George MacDonald in front of the cadets of Halkirk Detachment.
Throughout his service Neil has inspired may young people to achieve their potential. Staff Sergeant Instructor Connall Bain who was a former cadet and was taught by Neil said that “Neil inspired myself and others as cadets, he also helped myself as a new instructor into the Battalion. A great man that will always be welcome in the mess.”
