A DEDICATED North Ayrshire teenager has been honoured with one of the most coveted positions in the entire cadet movement.

Cadet Lance Corporal Evan McKinnon, from Dalry, a member of Irvine's Royal Marines Cadets, has been appointed Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for Ayrshire and Arran.

Evan, 16, a pupil at St Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats, will be an aide and representative of the cadet forces to the Royal Family and will assist Lord-Lieutenant Iona McDonald OBE with her duties over the next 12 months.

The pick makes it a highly unusual three in a row for Irvine Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets - Evan follows in the bootsteps of Able Cadet Luke and Leading Cadet Max, who held the role in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Irvine Times: Cadet Lance Corporal Evan McKinnonCadet Lance Corporal Evan McKinnon (Image: Irvine Sea Cadets)

Evan also blazes a trail as the first ever Royal Marines Cadet from Ayrshire and Arran to be appointed Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.

He is looking forward to becoming a cadet physical training instructor in the near future.

Evan enjoys being on the water as much as in the field, holding the RYA Powerboat Level 2 ticket as well as marksman badges for both air rifle and full bore shooting.

He also gained his First Aid at Work and Peer Educator qualifications through the Sea Cadets.

Irvine Times: Lord-Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald OBELord-Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE (Image: Contributed)

Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Robert Duncan RNR, commanding officer of Irvine Sea Cadets, said: "Evan has been with us for two years now and excels himself in everything he attempts.

"He is very popular among the cadets and he uses this positively through leading by example.

"He is always the first to volunteer to assist and is a role model to his peers by actively mentoring them."

Irvine Times: Cadet Lance Corporal Evan McKinnonCadet Lance Corporal Evan McKinnon (Image: Irvine Sea Cadets)

Sub-Lt Duncan added: "I'm really chuffed for Evan. He is an asset to Irvine and has a bright cadet career ahead of him."

The appointment was announced alongside the award of the annual Lord Lieutenants' Certificates of Meritorious Service to cadets, adult volunteers and employees across Scotland.

The Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association award recipients included four from Ayrshire and Arran - Staff Sergeant James Hunter (reservist), and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers Patre Fiona Wilson, Captain Jamie McVeigh and Sergeant Major Instructor James Murphy.