Real Lives: ‘Exemplary’ officer Tony honoured for his service

Captain Igoe, from Mayfield, was awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Vice Lord Lieutenant Sir Robert Clerk, at a special ceremony in Midlothian Council Chambers, with guests including Midlothian’s Provost, Councillor Adam Montgomery.

The honour is among a clutch of awards presented to Captain Igoe, who has also received the Iraq Medal, the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal with clasp, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Territorial Efficiency Medal for long service.

Captain Igoe, who attended the ceremony with his wife Stacey, daughter Katie and mother-in-law and father-in-law Hilary and Brian Howarth, said he felt “very proud”.

“I had absolutely no idea I was getting it until I got a telephone call saying it had to be arranged quickly as I’m off to Afghanistan as a Major,” said Captain Igoe.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Robbie Gibson, the chief executive of the Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association for the Lowlands of Scotland, explained why Captain Igoe was awarded the honour.

He said: “Captain Igoe enlisted in the Territorial Army in 1982. He has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility with TA units. For the past 12 months he has been Officer Commanding of 260 HQ Squadron & Regimental Quartermaster for 160 Tpt Regt (V) and provided an exemplary level of service.

“In 2004, Captain Igoe served in Iraq and completed a ten-month tour of duty as acting Major in the post of Quartermaster of Shaibah Logistics Base in Basra. Here he was responsible for all logistics support and the smooth running of the base.”

Captain Igoe is an assistant manager in an Edinburgh City Council secure services unit for 12-16-year-olds, and his manager Eric Stitt is very supportive of his service.

Mr Stitt said: ”Tony has been with us for a long period of time and is a well-experienced and valued member of staff. Although he will be missed around the office, we know he will be doing an important job in Afghanistan, and he will also be brushing up on his teamwork and leadership skills while he is there. We look forward to him returning and to hearing about his new experiences.”

Captain Igoe has also worked tirelessly in support of service charities. He is a trustee of the Scottish Military Ball trust and helped raise funds for the Mark Wright Project.

Provost Montgomery said: “Captain Igoe really is a credit to Midlothian and the UK. He not only holds down a very important job, but he also risks his life to serve his country. It is a real honour to meet him and I am delighted he is getting the recognition he most certainly deserves.”