John Reid supports Army recruitment drive

07 Jan 2000

Scottish Secretary, and former Armed Forces Minister, John Reid today (Sunday 9 January) added his support to a nation wide recruitment campaign by urging young Scots to think about a career in the Army.

Mr Reid, who was taking the Salute at an Army parade down Princes Street in Edinburgh to mark the launch of the recruitment drive, said:

"Scots and Scottish Regiments have always played a crucial role within the British Army, and in helping to protect British interests both at home and abroad.

"Today's high tec Army provides excellent career opportunities across a wide range of trades and disciplines. It also offers unique prospects for learning new skills and developing existing ones. I urge all young people in Scotland who want to know more about a possible career in the Army to contact their nearest Army Recruitment Centre for more information."

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

1. The Armed Forces and MoD directly employ over 23,000 people in Scotland. In addition, it is estimated that total defence expenditure in Scotland of some £1.9 billion supports a further 31,000 jobs in research, development and manufacturing.
2. Each year approximately 2,000 people from Scotland chose and are selected for a career in the British Army.
3. The Army's national recruitment campaign was launched on Sunday 9 January with events at Covent Garden in London and Princes Street in Edinburgh. The launch in Edinburgh took the format of a parade down Princes Street by a TA Band, marching troops from the Royal Scots and Army Cadet Force, followed by vehicles from all units which recruit in Scotland
4. Further details about the Army's recruitment campaign can be obtained by contacting Paul Burgess or Christine Cummings COI Scotland on 0131 244 9060