Six military personnel based in Moray were recognised yesterday for their exemplary service by a visiting high ranking officer.
Colonel Paul Mitchell was at Kinloss Barracks to hand out awards to members of 39 Engineer Regiment.
Between them the six recipients have a combined total of 120 years of operational service, ranging from the troubles in Northern Ireland through to the conflicts in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Of particular note was the Meritorious Service Medal presented to Warrant Officer (Class 1) Daren Maycock.
To be considered for this award the recipient must have served at least 20 years in the armed forces.
In addition, they must also already have the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
What’s more, they must have exhibited “good, faithful, valuable and meritorious service, with conduct judged to be irreproachable throughout”.
As a result only a tiny handful are awarded every year.
Col Mitchell said: “In all of the 10 years I have been a colonel I have only ever presented five of these. That alone is testimony to how prestigious this award is.
Jokingly he added: “What’s more, it is a proper medal – if you drop it in the sea it will sink.”
Among the other presentations made were Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to Sergeant Richard Maurins and Staff Sergeants Robert McCullagh and Darren Le Gallais.
Royal Warrants were also given to Warrant Officers (Class 2) Heidi Dunning and Graeme Russell.
The Royal Warrant entitles the holder to wear the Royal Seal with their badge of rank.
After receiving her award, W/O Dunning said: “This is a very special day for me. Ever since I joined the Army 18 years ago I have aspired to reach the rank of Warrant Officer – this is the pinnacle of my career.”