865 (Portlethen) Air Cadets

🎖️ 865 (Portlethen) Squadron Presentation Night 2025🎖️

A couple of weeks ago, 865 (Portlethen) Squadron came together for its Annual Presentation and Awards Night at the Jubilee Hall. It was a chance to look back on a packed year and recognise just how much the cadets have taken on and achieved.

In the lead-up to the evening, cadets worked hard behind the scenes putting together presentations that captured their experiences across the year. From flying and fieldcraft to leadership and camps and much more. Speaking in front of a full hall of around 80 people is no easy task, but they stepped up to it and represented themselves with confidence.

This year’s event also marked the first Presentation Night under our new Officer Commanding, Fg Off Davie, giving Flt Lt McLennan the chance to sit back and enjoy the evening from a different perspective. During the night, Fg Off Davie and FS Davie presented her with flowers and gifts as a thank you for everything she has done for the squadron during her time in command.

We were pleased to welcome several distinguished guests who helped mark the occasion, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Ewan Clark, OC North Scotland Wing Wg Cdr Smith, Regional First Aid Officer Sqn Ldr Nutten, and Wing Warrant Officer WO Donaldson.

Awards presented on the night were as follows:
🏆 Best New Cadet: Cdt Sasha Hegde
🏆 Best Dressed Cadet: Sgt Kaitlyn Sutherland
🏆 Best Cadet: Sgt Kaitlyn Sutherland
🏆 Academic Award: Cdt Devom Sharma
🏆 Endeavour Award: Sgt Kaitlyn Sutherland

The evening also provided the opportunity to recognise promotions within the squadron:
🔹 Corporal: Cdt Petrie, Cdt Sharma, Cdt Woodley
🔹 Sergeant: Cpl Chopra, Cpl Gibb
🔹 Flight Sergeant: Sgt Sutherland

The night finished in a relaxed way with time to chat over tea, coffee, and of course cake, rounding off the evening on a high.

A solid year behind us, and plenty to build on going forward.



North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

A proud moment for 865 (Portlethen) Squadron as command passes to a new Officer Commanding 🫡

865 (Portlethen) Squadron has marked a proud and important moment in its history with the handover of command from Flt Lt McLennan to Fg Off Davie.

After more than 14 years as Officer Commanding, Flt Lt McLennan has officially handed over the keys, closing one chapter and opening another for the squadron. Her time in command has seen real highs, tough challenges, and steady leadership throughout.

During her tenure, cadets have taken part in flying and gliding scholarships, achieved all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and represented the squadron on the The International Air Cadet Exchange. We have seen Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets appointed, Junior Leaders and Qualified Aerospace Instructors graduate, and countless cadets attend UK and overseas camps, ski trips, and adventure training, along with everything else in between.

Most notably, last year the squadron won the MacRobert Wing Efficiency Trophy for the second time in its history. This time, however, the squadron went even further, going on to win the Regional Efficiency Trophy and represent the region in the Lees Competition, placing us among the top six squadrons in the organisation. This achievement was marked with a visit from Air Commodore Al Lewis, Commandant Air Cadets, making for a truly memorable evening.

Flt Lt McLennan should be extremely proud of what has been built and sustained over the years. Her commitment, consistency, and belief in the squadron have left a strong foundation. Although she now moves on to focus on her primary role as Sector Commander, she will remain with 865 Squadron in a secondary role. We look forward to seeing what she achieves at wing level.

Taking command is Fg Off Davie, whose journey with 865 started as a cadet in 2014. He remained a cadet until ageing out at 20, before returning straight into uniform as a Sergeant. After progressing through the commissioning process late last year, he was appointed as a Flying Officer and now takes on the responsibility of Squadron Commander.

Having grown through the ranks within this very squadron, Fg Off Davie understands exactly what it means to be a cadet here. He steps into the role determined to build on what has already been achieved and to ensure every cadet receives the best possible experience.

Fg Off Davie said:
“It is an honour to take command of the squadron that played such a key part in my life over the last 11 years. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, and doing my part alongside our excellent staff team to ensure our cadets receive the very best possible experience.”

Thank you Flt Lt McLennan, and good luck to both you and Fg Off Davie in your new roles.

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

Today, cadets and staff from 865 (Portlethen) Squadron headed to Bloc10 Indoor Bouldering Centre in Aberdeen for an introduction to bouldering session.

Bouldering is a form of indoor climbing that focuses less on height and more on technical routes that challenge balance, core strength and flexibility. It was a great way for our cadets to try something new while building confidence and teamwork.

The fantastic staff at Bloc10 started the session with some fun team challenges and games to get everyone warmed up before the cadets were given the chance to enjoy some free climbing time. Throughout the session they were able to try a wide range of different climbs and really put their skills to the test.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by both cadets and staff, and it is something we hope to do again in the future. A massive thank you to the instructors at Bloc10 for making us feel so welcome and for looking after everyone so well, ensuring that all of our cadets had a fun and safe experience!

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

Last weekend, Cdt Woodley and Cpl Gibb attended a Bronze Wings course held by 663 AGS.

The bronze course is completed on flight simulators and focuses on manoeuvring and secondary effects of the aircraft. Congratulations to both cadets on passing the course and earning their bronze wings! 👏

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

Congratulations to Fg Off Callum Davie, Plt Off Leo Rutherford, and Sgt Becky McKechnie on their graduation from the Combined Initial Course!

The trio travelled down to RAF Cranwell in January, where their week of training took place. The week culminated with their graduation at College Hall Officers Mess, and a visit from Commandant Air Cadets! Well done!

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

🎄 865 (Portlethen) Squadron Christmas Party 🎄

What a brilliant way to finish off the year at 865 (Portlethen) Squadron! Our cadets enjoyed a fun-filled Christmas party packed with festive activities and plenty of laughs.

The evening saw cadets getting involved in karaoke, testing their knowledge in a Christmas quiz, enjoying a well-earned pizza break, and finally getting creative by building and decorating their own gingerbread houses — with some impressive (and very competitive!) results.

A huge thank you to our staff and cadets for organising such a great night, and to our cadets for bringing so much energy and Christmas spirit. We’re incredibly proud of everything cadets and the Squadron have achieved this year.

Wishing all our cadets, staff, families, and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅✨✈️

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

Lest We Forget 🌹

This morning, 865 (Portlethen) Squadron attended a Remembrance Sunday service at Portlethen Church to remember all those who have fought and fallen in conflicts for our freedoms today.

During the service, Cdt Holland gave a reading, Sgt Sutherland laid the wreath on behalf of the Squadron and Cpl Gibb carried our Squadron banner. FS Woodley attended the service alongside Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Dr Ewan Clark, as part of her Lord Lieutenant Cadet duties. Well done to everyone involved.

We Will Remember Them.

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

🎃👻865s Halloween Party👻🎃

Last Thursday, 865 held our annual Halloween Party! We had a night of dancing, costumes, games and challenges as well as plenty of fun and laughs!

Our Cadets competed in some classic party games, a relay race, cookie decorating, and a game of ‘What’s in the Box’!

A great night for everyone, and a great way to celebrate the spooky season 👻👻

Commandant Air Cadets North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

On Saturday, Cadets from around North Scotland Wing headed down to Ayr to see the fantastic Air Show. It was really busy day for all and with many different activities for the community to engage in. Such as fair grounds rides, Stall holders promoting the RAF and the RAF Air Cadets West Scotland Wing Royal Air Force Air Cadets

North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

🎉Congratulations FS Woodley🎉

A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire Mr Alastair Macphie to the squadron to inspect the Squadron and officially present FS Kirsty Woodley with her appointment certificate as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Kincardineshire for 2025/2026. This is a very prestigious role where FS Woodley will assist the Lord-Lieutenant with his duties as the Kings personal representative in the County of Kincardineshire.

Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire
Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets
North Scotland Wing Air Training Corps, RAFAC
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
Commandant Air Cadets