Alness cadet honoured for saving lives on A9
A CADET from Easter Ross has been honoured by top brass for an act of courage and quick thinking which helped saves lives on the A9.
Evan Swart (14) and his father had been travelling back to their home in Alness from a trip to Aviemore in May last year when his dad took ill very suddenly.
David Anderson, Commanding Officer of 379 County of Ross Squadron Air Training Corps, said: "Evan was on his phone and he glanced across to see his dad slumped over the wheel, unconscious, and their vehicle veering into the other lane.
"He glanced ahead and there was a truck coming towards them.
"Evan grabbed the wheel and steered the car back into their own lane.
"Their car went off the road but thankfully nobody was hurt. His father received medical attention for his illness and he made a full recovery.
"Without a doubt Evan saved their lives that day and perhaps the lives of other motorists too. He was only 13 at the time."
At an Air Training Corps competition day held at MoD Caledonia in Rosyth, Evan was presented with a Regional Commandant’s Certificate of Good Service for his courageous actions to preserve life during the incident.
Corporal Swart was also awarded the British Forces Broadcasting Service Cadet of the Week for his actions, after being nominated by his squadron.
CO Anderson said: "He’s a great lad and we’re very proud of him."
It was also a great day at Rosyth for the Alness squadron generally. For the ninth year in a row its team won the Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Field Day Aircraft Recognition competition, representing the Highland Wing.
Cadets Jade Crosbie and Rhys Feachem and Cadet Sergeant Drew Mackay will now go on to compete in the national finals later this year.
