Scots 'Birthplace' of modern commandos to become site of new heritage centre
The new centre would sit beside the Commando Memorial, which attracts 100,000 visitors a year
A multi-million pound heritage centre could soon rise in the Highlands, paying tribute to the birthplace of modern commando and special forces training.
The ambitious plan, unveiled by the newly formed International Commando Heritage Trust, aims to build a 'discrete' centre near the iconic Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, north of Fort William.
Lochaber, long recognised for its dramatic mountain terrain and wartime legacy, played a pivotal role during World War Two. It was here that thousands of elite troops from Britain and its allied nations, including Norway, France, Belgium and Poland, underwent commando training that would shape the future of special operations worldwide.
The centrepiece of this training was Achnacarry Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Cameron chiefs, located about 15 miles northeast of Fort William.
In early 1942, the castle and surrounding estate were transformed into the UK's first Commando Basic Training Centre.
Volunteers arrived at Spean Bridge railway station and marched seven miles through the Highlands to Achnacarry, passing the very spot where the Commando Memorial now stands.
Training was unforgiving, involving live ammunition and relentless physical challenges. Those who didn't pass were sent back to their units by the next train south.
By the time the centre closed in 1946, around 26,000 soldiers from the UK, US and across Europe had passed through its demanding programme.
Many went on to serve with distinction in theatres around the globe. During the war, 1,700 commandos lost their lives and many more were seriously wounded. Eight were awarded the Victoria Cross.
Today, the Commando Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of that legacy. Unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in September 1952, it was the result of a national design competition for Scottish sculptors. The winning entry by Scott Sutherland was cast by H H Martyn Ltd of Cheltenham.
The 17ft (5.2m) bronze monument features three commandos in full World War Two gear, gazing south towards Ben Nevis.
Beneath their feet, the inscription reads 'United We Conquer', with a front-facing plaque that states: 'In memory of the officers and men of the commandos who died in the Second World War 1939–1945. This country was their training ground.'
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Retired Colonel Barry Barnwell of the International Commando Heritage Trust described the region as the 'ancestral birthplace' of all modern special forces units.
'Almost every modern-day commando or special forces around the world, particularly our allied nations and ourselves, can trace their heritage back to training in Scotland, particularly at Achnacarry,' he told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme.
The proposed heritage centre would be located just beside the memorial, which currently draws around 100,000 visitors each year. Until recently, the only permanent tribute to the commandos was a small exhibition at the nearby Spean Bridge Hotel, run by volunteers.
Now, the trust is working to secure political and community support, as well as backing from military leaders. The Commando Association and Royal Marines Association have already voiced their support for the project, and conversations are underway with potential funding partners.
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