Combined Cadet Force

Having held their first parade in 1884, Merchiston is the oldest continuously parading Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Scotland and is consistently evaluated as one of Scotland’s top 3 CCF schools.

The Merchiston CCF is sponsored by the military with the standards and values enhancing the ethos and aims of Merchiston.

The CCF, which parades every Wednesday afternoon, is a compulsory activity for our Shell year group and voluntary beyond that point. During the first year as a cadet, instruction in basic foot drill, fieldcraft and weapon handling is given with students gaining confidence, self-discipline, personal administration skills and supervisory skills too. In the voluntary years, the skills and drills are taken to a higher level of supervisory, leadership and management skills. Courses in Leadership and Instructional Techniques are made available to the senior cadets.

The cadets’ badge is the original school badge worn in the 1800s. It is worn with pride among our cadets and, on leaving, serves as a memento of time served as a cadet at Merchiston Castle School.