Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Reservist Engineer Leads Army Expedition Along Scotland's North-West Highland Coastline

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A team of army reservists led by Lieutenant Angus Lapslie, a 26-year-old engineer at Dounreay, completed a challenging 188 nautical mile sailing trip along the north-west Highland coastline as part of Exercise Highland Express. The expedition aimed to build resilience in the soldiers by placing them in unfamiliar, high-pressure environments. Angus, a reservist with 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), used his skills to plan and deliver the expedition, pushing the team to their physical and mental limits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The expedition, part of Exercise Highland Express, covered a total of 188 nautical miles along the north-west Highland coastline.
  • Lieutenant Angus Lapslie, a 26-year-old engineer at Dounreay, led the team of six reservists, including four junior soldiers who had never set foot on a sailing boat before.
  • The team battled stormy weather and gale force winds, navigated tight anchorages at remote islands like Canna and Loch Scavaig, and weathered sea conditions that tested even the most experienced hands.
  • For Angus and one of the crew, the expedition counted toward advanced sailing qualifications, including the coveted Coastal Skipper certification.
  • The experience was about building confidence and showing people what they're capable of, with one soldier from Caithness having never sailed before and by day two being in charge of the boat through 40-knot winds.
  • The team had unforgettable rewards, including a pod of around 40 dolphins swimming alongside them near Ardnamurchan Point and anchoring in Loch Scavaig with the Cuillin towering above them.

Statistics:

  • The expedition covered a total of 188 nautical miles along the north-west Highland coastline.
  • The team battled stormy weather and gale force winds, including winds in excess of 40 knots.
  • The team successfully navigated tight anchorages at remote islands like Canna and Loch Scavaig.
  • For Angus and one of the crew, the expedition counted toward advanced sailing qualifications, including the coveted Coastal Skipper certification.

Sources:

  • "Army reservists take on adventure training expedition along Scotland's north-west Highland coastline."

Read more