The Princess Royal has officially inaugurated the new Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in Edinburgh’s picturesque Port Edgar Marina.
As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, the event provided the opportunity for Princess Anne to meet with cadets and watch them as they paraded and got out on the water, enjoying boating, sailing, rowing and paddlesports activities.
More than 80 cadets, including royal marines cadets and junior cadets from across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England participated in the opening event.
CEO of Sea Cadets, Martin Coles CBE, said: ‘We are delighted to have welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the opening of Port Edgar Boat Station and we see it as the first of many occasions our Admiral will be able to engage with cadets and support the valuable work taking place within the charity to launch young people for life, whatever their background.
‘Sea Cadets works with 14,000 young people across 400 units to broaden their horizons and create possibilities, helping young people to develop into resilient, confident young people.
‘In the current climate of global conflict and economic strife, not to mention the impact of the pandemic, our young people are facing more challenges than ever before, so investing in their future has never been more crucial.
‘Our new residential boat station will provide ample opportunities for even more young people to enjoy boating and water sports, earn qualifications and take part in courses such as first aid, navigation and meteorology held on site.’
The Princess Royal inspects the Sea Cadets
Twelve cadets were able to represent the ‘Cadet Voice’ and discussed with their Admiral the issues most important to them.
Guests attending included Brigadier John Thomson QVRM TD PhD DL (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh), Captain Neil Downing (Captain Sea Cadets) and Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL (President of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets), as well as representatives of the Royal Navy, youth, education and maritime sectors.
The Princess Royal has been an active supporter of the youth charity for many years, commissioning both the former and current Sea Cadets flagship, the TS Royalist.
The new Sea Cadets boat station in Port Edgar Marina is well located to serve young people across the region with good transport links and offers superb facilities both on and off the water.
Sea Cadets broadens horizons and creates possibilities through a different kind of adventure. Working across the UK with more than 14,000 young people aged 10 to 18, we help them develop into resilient, confident young people who can launch well in life, whatever their background.
The charity has more than 400 units across the UK, with some 9000 volunteers giving their time to help teenagers develop the skills and approach to life that will launch them into independence.
For more information, visit www.sea-cadets.org
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