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Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Scotsman
From desk to deck: Caithness reservist leads 188-mile sailing expedition off the Scottish coast
Lieutenant Angus Lapslie, a Reservist with 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), organised the voyage as part of Exercise Highland Express - a military adventurous training programme designed to build resilience by placing soldiers in unfamiliar, high-pressure environments. It is one example of how the Reservists train to help ensure they are combat ready. By day, Angus works at the Dounreay nuclear site but in his Reservist role, he swaps his desk for the boat deck and uses his training to plan and deliver expeditions that push both his team to their physical and mental limits. 'It's easy to think of sailing as a bit of a jolly,' he said. 'But in The Royal Regiment of Scotland, adventurous training is one of the ways we safely simulate the stress and unpredictability of operations.' Departing from Oban, Angus was joined by five other reservists, including four junior soldiers, most of whom had never set foot on a sailing boat before. Under the guidance of a qualified skipper, Angus served as second-in-command, responsible for navigation, planning and mentoring the crew through the demands of life at sea. They 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. 'At one point we were cooking bacon mid-storm,' Angus laughed. 'We lost breakfast more than once.' For Angus and one of the crew, the expedition also counted toward advanced sailing qualifications - including the coveted Coastal Skipper certification. But for Angus, career progression wasn't the main purpose of the trip. 'The experience was about trying something new,' he said. 'One soldier from Caithness had never sailed before - and by day two he was helming the boat through 40-knot winds. That's what this is all about: building confidence and showing people what they're capable of.' Despite the tough conditions, the rewards were unforgettable. 'We had a pod of around 40 dolphins swim alongside us near Ardnamurchan Point,' he said. 'And anchoring in Loch Scavaig, with the Cuillin towering above us - it was breathtaking. You don't get that in a classroom or on a parade square.' On today, Reserves Day, Angus hopes more people will recognise the scale of opportunity available through part-time service and the important role Reservists play as part of the Army. 'Being a Reservist is a huge privilege,' he said. 'It's not always easy balancing it with a full-time job - but the leadership experience, personal growth and once-in-a-lifetime moments make it more than worth it.' He now hopes to run similar expeditions in future, opening up more of Scotland's spectacular coastline to fellow soldiers from across the Highlands - a move which would be welcomed by his teammates. Pte Gus Strudwick of 6 SCOTS, said: 'It was a really enjoyable yet challenging week of sailing on the West Coast. With a mixed bag of weather, from choppy waters to high winds, it really made us focus and forced us to be adaptable under pressure, especially when having to conduct smooth and efficient sail changes on the foredeck with waves splashing over the top. I am looking forward to the opportunity of similar expeditions to come.' In similar enthusiasm, Pte Will Macdonald of 7 SCOTS, added: 'It was a great all-round piece of unit adventurous training, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I feel my yacht sailing, teamwork with members from the wider Regiment and leadership capabilities as a Jock have all developed, and I have a new drive to further advance my sailing experiences within the Army Reserve. I hope that this is repeated and would love to be involved with any unit sailing in the future.' 2 . Contributed (L-R: Lt Angus Lapslie, Pte Callum Steven and Pte Will Macdonald Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Lt Angus Lapslie and Cpl Steve Macintyre rounding Ardnamurchan Point Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Proud of his sacrifice, says slain BSF constable's dad
Guwahati: The mortal remains of BSF constable Deepak Chingakham , who hails from Manipur and was killed in cross-border shelling by Pakistan in RS Pura area of Jammu, would be brought to Imphal on was from BSF's 7th Battalion and was among the eight BSF personnel who were injured in the cross-border shelling on Saturday. He succumbed to his injuries the next wreath-laying ceremony would be held at Imphal airport after which the mortal remains would be taken to his hometown in Yairipok Yambem Mathak Leikai in Imphal East where the last rites would be is survived by his father, mother and a brother. Chingakham Bonibihari Singh, father of the fallen constable, told PTI, "We are really proud of his sacrifice. He joined the BSF in April 2021 and was the sole breadwinner of the family. Due to health issues, I am unable to work."Deepak's younger brother Chingakham Naoba Singh said, "He used to call me now and then to ask me what I needed and always told me to work hard to succeed in life. Now he is gone. I am completely devastated."Deepak's mother is also in a state of shock and has been crying inconsolably, asking her son to be brought Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh, posted on his X handle, "He was a proud son of Manipur, and as a Manipuri-Meitei, his courage and devotion to the nation reflect the unwavering commitment of our people to protect and serve. We salute the armed forces for their relentless dedication and bravery. We stand with the family of Constable Deepak in this difficult time and will extend all possible support. His sacrifice will always be remembered with honour and pride," Singh and the Congress in Manipur on Monday condoled the death of Chingakham. BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of constable (GD) Deepak Chingakham of the Border Security Force , who made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely serving the nation during cross-border firing in the R S Pura sector."Congress president Keisham Meghachandra extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Keisham said, "The people of Manipur, and indeed the entire nation, are proud of his bravery and commitment. We will remember him for his supreme sacrifice for our motherland. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. May the Almighty grant them strength during this time of immense grief."The BSF in a social media post stated, "Constable Deepak Chingakham sustained fatal injuries during cross-border firing along the International Boundary in R S Pura area, Jammu district, on May 10, and attained martyrdom on May 11."
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Second BSF personnel succumbs to injury in Jammu due to Pakistani shelling
The BSF on Sunday said a second trooper was killed in action after Pakistan initiated cross-border firing in the Jammu region a day ago. "Constable Deepak Chimngakham sustained fatal injuries during cross-border firing along the International Boundary in R S Pura area, Jammu district, on May 10, and attained martyrdom on May 11," the Border Security Force (BSF) said in a social media post. The BSF director general and all ranks express their deepest condolences to his family, it said. Eight troopers of the BSF's 7th Battalion were injured in Saturday's shelling, and sub-inspector Mohammed Imteyaz later succumbed to his injuries. A wreath-laying ceremony was held with full military honours at the BSF's frontier headquarters in Jammu's Paloura on Sunday for Imteyaz. His last rites will be performed at his native Narayanpur village in Bihar's Saran district on Monday. A similar wreath-laying ceremony to honour Chimngakham will be held at the BSF's frontier headquarters on Monday. The firing between BSF and Pakistani forces took place after India launched Operation Sindoor following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The military operation by the Indian Armed Forces was launched on May 7 and nine terror infrastructures were destroyed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out as part of this operation. The two countries reached an agreement to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea on Saturday after four days of cross-border strikes that triggered fears of a wider conflict.
The Star
02-05-2025
- The Star
Three nabbed for illegal iron ore mining in Rompin
KUANTAN: Three men, including two Bangladeshi nationals, were arrested for suspected illegal iron ore mining at Sungai Ganoh in the Bukit Ibam Forest Reserve, Muadzam Shah, on Tuesday. The arrests were made around 3am during a joint operation by the General Operations Force (GOF) 7th Battalion and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit, known as Op Bersepadu Khazanah. According to a statement by the GOF Southeast Brigade, checks revealed that the mining site was operated by a local man, along with two Bangladeshis. The site owner could not produce a valid mining licence, while the two foreigners had no valid identification documents. All three men, aged between 40 and 50, were detained. Authorities also seized equipment and machinery worth about RM1.25mil. The case is being investigated under the State Mineral Enactment 2001 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. - Bernama
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Authorities detain trio for illegal iron ore mining in Pahang forest reserve, seize RM1.25m machinery
KUANTAN, May 2 — Three men, including two Bangladeshi nationals, were arrested for suspected illegal iron ore mining at Sungai Ganoh in the Bukit Ibam Forest Reserve, Muadzam Shah, last Tuesday. The arrests were made around 3am during a joint operation by the General Operations Force (GOF) 7th Battalion and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit, known as Op Bersepadu Khazanah. According to a statement by the GOF Southeast Brigade, checks revealed that the mining site was operated by a local man, along with two Bangladeshis. The site owner could not produce a valid mining licence, while the two foreigners had no valid identification documents. All three men, aged between 40 and 50, were detained. Authorities also seized equipment and machinery worth about RM1.25 million. The case is being investigated under the State Mineral Enactment 2001 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. — Bernama
