Sea Cadets receive council backing

Added 25/06/2008

EAST Kilbride Sea Cadet Unit received a welcome boost when South Lanarkshire Council confirmed that they will be able to use the facilities at the James Hamilton Heritage Loch for free from next month.

The unit was established in 1972 and has seen some 600 young people pass through its ranks with around 50 former cadets going on to the armed forces.

Unit chairman Ian Wiseman said: “This is a fantastic initiative which will ensure that the East Kilbride Sea Cadet Unit will survive.

“The costs involved in providing facilities for our cadets are significant and the use of the facilities at the Heritage Loch will enable us to continue to expand our service.

“I would like to thank South Lanarkshire Council, and in particular Councillor Michael McCann, for all their help and support.”

The aim of the sea cadet core is to help young people towards responsible adulthood by encouraging valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct using a nautical theme.

Sea Cadets have worked and improved their nautical skills but they have also made a significant contribution to the community by engaging in community activities such as garden tidy schemes across a number of different areas.

The unit commanding officer S/Lt(SCC) Jim Harper RNR, said: “We welcome the initiative and the opportunity that it will give us to extend our activities to others.

“We like to instil a sense of citizenship within the Sea Cadets and this important decision will allow us to continue to enhance that work.”

Councillor McCann has championed the Sea Cadets’ cause and he is pleased this initiative will guarantee their future.

He said: “I am delighted that the council has been able to open up these facilities because the organisation not only provides valuable activities for young people, it contributes to their development as citizens.”

by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News 26th June 2008