Cadets’ £400k centre a big boost for town

A new cadet building for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) in Banff has been completed.

The £400,000 project replaced the old hut, which was past the point of repair, with a new modern and energyefficient centre.

It features a drill hall, two classrooms, an office, kitchen, store and toilets, and will be used primarily by cadets from 2nd Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF).

Major Stuart Eddie, cadet executive officer for 2nd Battalion The Highlanders, said: “This is an important new lease of life for the Army Cadets in Banff, with a fantastic new building designed and built to the needs of the cadets and a world away from the building it replaces.”

The facility is part of Highland RFCA’s £1.4 million programme of cadet building replacements. It follows similar builds in Newport and Bo’ness, with a further installation due to take place in Mastrick, Aberdeen, this summer.

Each of the five sections of the building was manufactured off site and then lifted into place by a crane over the space of five hours.

The Highlanders AFC have been travelling to Portsoy to train during construction but will move in about a month’s time.

Maj Eddie said: “This is a boost for the community and highlights the importance placed on providing youngsters aged between 12 and 18 opportunities to learn skills, have adventure, form new friendships and have great fun.”

The facility was designed and constructed with the help of Jam Studios, Healthmatic Ltd and Macduff Crane Hire.