A 17-year-old Royal Navy recruit from Aberfeldy is one step closer to a career at sea after successfully completing his basic training course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.
Trainee engineering technician Finlay Gray joined the Royal Navy in November last year and has now completed nine weeks of intensive training.
The former Breadalbane Academy pupil said, “I joined the Royal Navy for a chance to see a bit of the world while getting professional training. I also wanted to meet new people, earn a decent wage and have a secure job.
“Basic training has been very tough, but also rewarding. Weapons training, running the assault course and the weekend on Dartmoor have been among the highlights.
“Passing the course has made me feel very proud.”
With the first phase of his training complete, Finlay will now transfer to HMS Sultan in Hampshire where he will learn the skills in mechanical engineering which keep the ships of the Royal Navy running at the peak of operational effectiveness.
The Royal Navy’s basic training course is designed to teach recruits the fundamental skills they will need throughout their service and includes a series of mental and physical challenges to promote team working.