Inverness Sea Cadets leader LtCdr Robbie Hay relinquishes command after 17 years
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INVERNESS Sea Cadet unit TS Briton, which has celebrated its 80th anniversary, has a new hand at the helm after LtCdr (SCC) Robbie Hay RNR decided to stand down after 17 years.
Now in charge is SubLt (SCC) Vicky King RNR who has 10 years’ experience, and with the same team of “awesome” volunteers, is considered well equipped to continue providing the great cadet experience so many have enjoyed already.
During his tenure, LtCdr Hay has seen several hundred cadets achieve great things. Some have reached the ultimate rank of Petty Officer Cadet, and some were recognised with prestigious appointments of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and a First Sea Lord’s Cadet.
He said: “Some of our cadets have travelled the world, from India to Canada, and many places in between. Others have competed with their peers at all levels up and down the country, sometimes winning trophies, usually winning some medals, and always holding our own.
“And crewing TS Royalist in the Tall Ships Race, which she won, the first British tall ship to do so in 30 years, we were a part of that.
“Personally, leading the unit in public at the Inverness Tattoo, the Cadet 150 Parade, and Remembrance Day parades has been fantastic, letting me show off just how awesome our cadets are.
“None of this, and much more, would have happened without the cadets’ dedication, their parents’ support, the volunteers’ guidance, and our unit management team enabling everything we do, and all our supporters in the local community and beyond.
“I’m so proud to have been your CO. Thank you all.”
The handover was marked at an evening attended by Sea Cadets, parents, and volunteers paying tribute to LtCdr Hay for his enthusiasm, drive, encouragement, and support throughout his time in the organisation.
SLt King also paid tribute to Lt Cdr Hay’s huge amount of hard work and effort, especially during the pandemic.
She added: “While the wheels fell off the world he kept TS Briton a constant to keep us all going.”
Sea Cadets welcome boys and girls from age 10 to 17 and aims to give young people the best possible head start in life through fun and adventurous nautical activity. From learning new skills and working in teams, Sea Cadets offers an environment where young people can find confidence and
inspiration.
