MP Congratulates Award-Winning Sea Cadets at House of Commons

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford today hosted a visit to the House of Commons by Peterhead Sea Cadets, recent winners of the Stephenson Trophy for the top Sea Cadet Unit in the Northern Area (Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland). This is the fifth time the Unit has won the prestigious trophy in the last ten years.

In addition, one of the Peterhead cadets, Petty Officer Cadet Hannah Strachan, has received the accolade of Navy Board Cadet in the Northern Area, one of the top cadets in 2013.

Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP
with Scotland’s top sea cadet,
Petty Officer Cadet Hannah Strachan, and
Officer-in-Charge Sub-Lieutenant John Bowman
(both of Peterhead Sea Cadet Unit)

To mark these awards, Dr Whiteford invited Hannah and Peterhead Sea Cadets Officer-in-Charge, Sub-Lieutenant John Bowman, to visit the House of Commons and attend Prime Minister’s Question Time.

Dr Whiteford also sponsored an Early Day Motion, published today, congratulating the Peterhead Sea Cadets on their recent success and commending the work of the organisation in connecting young people to their maritime heritage and building practical life skills.

Speaking at the House of Commons, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“I’m delighted to be able to mark the achievements of the Peterhead Unit at Westminster today. I have been able to spend time with Hannah and John and hear about their activities and the big part Sea Cadets play in their lives and that of the community.

“This is the second occasion during my time as an MP that the Peterhead Sea Cadet Unit have won the Stephenson Trophy – and the fifth time in ten years. “This success is a testament to the Peterhead Sea Cadet Unit and their leaders. Peterhead can be justly proud of these young people.”

During their visit Hannah and John were also shown around the Houses of Parliament by Dr Whiteford and visited Sea Cadets’ Head Office before attending a reception for Highland and Lowland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations, held in Parliament.

Text of Early Day Motion Published today:

Early Day Motion 983 : PETERHEAD SEA CADETS

That this House congratulates Peterhead Sea Cadets on being awarded the Stephenson Trophy as the top sea cadet unit in the Northern Area (Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland) for the fifth time in 10 years; further congratulates Petty Officer Cadet Hannah Strachan for her appointment as a Navy Board cadet; welcomes all cadets visiting Westminster on 30 January 2013; and commends the work of the sea cadets for connecting young people to their maritime heritage and building practical life skills through its activities.