MEMBERS of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Welfare Charity team in Helensburgh met the Church of Scotland's most senior minister last week.

The Right Reverend Susan Brown met the charity's representatives during a week-long tour of the Royal Navy's units across Scotland.

Ms Brown also met submariners, Royal Marines from 43 Commando, training staff from Flag Officer Sea Training (North), and conducted a tour of mine hunter HMS Grimsby at HM Naval Base Clyde, courtesy of the Faslane-based First Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCM1).

While at the site, the Moderator also spent time with naval families and charities, and was present for the awarding of a medal to Naval Chaplain, the Reverend Mark Dalton.

Mr Dalton was given his long service and good conduct medal by Commodore Donald Doull, Naval Base Commander Clyde, in recognition of 15 years of exemplary naval service.

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Ms Brown's tour also included visits to the Navy's presence on the east coast of Scotland, including the new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, Royal Marines from 45 Commando in Arbroath, MoD Caledonia and HMS Scotia in Rosyth.

Glasgow’s Royal Navy Reserve Unit HMS Dalriada was also included, as was a tour of BAE Systems’ shipyard at Scotstoun to see the construction of Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow.

Accompanied by the Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet, Reverend Professor Scott Shackleton, and staff from the Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland's office, she also spent time with the Glasgow and Strathclyde University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) and took to the water with them on board patrol boat, HMS Pursuer, for a sail on the River Clyde.

Captain Chris Smith, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “It has been a real pleasure and privilege to host the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland this week and showcase the breadth of the Naval Service in Scotland.

“We are delighted that the Moderator has given us so much time and shown such interest in our people, their families and the operational activities that takes place in and around Scotland, as well as the wider global operations being conducted by Scottish based Units.”

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Speaking of her visit, Ms Brown said: “The trip is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the work being done by the various arms of the Royal Navy, including HMS Prince of Wales, Royal Naval Reserve, Cadets, Glasgow and Strathclyde University Royal Navy Unit, Royal Marines, pool drill, Royal Marine Band and the charity Aggie's.

“It's also been a chance to connect with the Naval community and to see the rich seam of opportunity for so many skills and also for chaplaincy.

“There’s been lots of chances to talk with all sorts of young people about life and faith.

Professor Shackleton added: “It has been made special this year for me to host the visit in Scotland since my promotion to Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet as I am myself a Church of Scotland minister.

"I am incredibly proud of the work of the Naval Service in Scotland and indeed the Kirk which the Moderator represents.

“It has been a special time to be able to reacquaint the Navy and Kirk to one another once more, but this time in Scotland.”