A Perth RAF Air Cadet unit desperately wants to rebuilt its squadron after the number of cadets dropped by around 75% during Covid.
The 38F (Perth) Squadron Air Training Corps took a “big hit” during the pandemic after it was forced to close its doors for around 18 months.
But now the Dunkeld Road-based unit has reopened, organisers are hoping to rebuild back to pre-Covid membership.
And they hope events such as shooting, flying, and sports will attract enough youngsters to keep the unit open.
What is the squadron?
The squadron is a uniformed youth organisation which forms part of the RAF.
It does not recruit but instead offers experiences and training opportunities that young people may not have had access to.
These include first aid, aviation studies and shooting.
Adjutant Liam Fowley said: “As well as weekly parade nights, there are regular weekend activities where cadets meet up with other units from across Scotland and take part in bigger events.
“They include drill, shooting and, of course, flying.
“The other weekend, four of our cadets got gliding experiences and gained their ‘Wings’.
“This is all delivered by adult volunteers, who command and deliver the training in a safe environment.”
What is next for them?
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the squadron moved to online meetings.
Cadets joined others from nearby units – Stirling, Dunblane, Crieff and Alloa – to train on Microsoft Teams.
But numbers dropped significantly, along with a reduction in the number of adult volunteers.
Mr Fowley added: “Only last month we got the green light to reopen and recommence safe delivery of training.
“Since then, we have had cadets gliding, gaining first aid badges, gaining leadership badges, and participate in fieldcraft training.
“In the next few weeks, cadets will gain climbing experience, shooting on semi-automatic weapons and some will even attend week long camps on MOD establishments.”
He added: “During the course of Covid-19, our cadet numbers dropped, with our adult volunteers also seeing a dramatic decrease.
“We are now in desperate need of cadets but most importantly adult volunteers aged over 20 to help keep our unit running.”
Anyone who wishes to get involved can fill out a form on the RAF Air Cadets website to express their interest.