Moray SNP News

MSP WELCOMES KINLOSS BARRACKS GROUP TO HOLYROOD

Richard Lochhead MSP welcomed a group of soldiers form Kinloss Brarracks to the Scottish Parliament today.

The group from 39 Engineer Regiment, led by Captain John Francis, were in Holyrood as part of an education and career development visit.  Moray's MSP gave the soldiers a tour of the Scottish Parliament as well as discussing with them the role of the military in a democracy.

Speaking after the visit, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

"I was delighted to welcome ten soldiers from Kinloss Barracks and their Captain to Holyrood and to have the chance to provide a tour of Parliament as well as an insight to the role of the MSPs.

"The young men were extremely engaged in the workings of devolution and good company. We had a stimulating discussion about the armed services and different current affairs topics ranging from defence policy to recent political events and the decision making process.

"We discussed the good work carried out by 39 Engineer Regiment in South Sudan and other overseas locations as well as in this country, so I certainly learnt a lot about the kind of tasks the regiment get involved in not only professionally but in the local Moray community as well.

"I was also interested to hear about how much they are enjoying their stint in Moray given that there were men from various parts of the UK in the delegation.”

Capt John Francis commented:

"Soldiers of 39 Engineer Regiment attended an education exercise to Edinburgh with visits to the Castle and Scottish Parliament. The aim to get the soldiers to think more broadly about their profession and the relationship of the military in a democracy.

"Speaking to the soldiers after the visit they all agreed that meeting with our local Moray MSP Richard Lochhead was the highlight for them. He gave us an insightful tour of Holyrood which is a fantastic building and piece of architecture when looked at from an engineering point of view. We also learnt about the history of Scottish politics and how it has shaped the Scotland we live in today. Richard was also kind enough to take question from the soldiers on current affairs and political matters that concerned them and their families.

"On behalf of all the soldiers who attended I would like to send our appreciation and thanks for an excellent day, which will be remembered for a long time. I’ve even been asked when we are going again..!"