Commando Memorial in line for March makeover
Lochaber’s iconic Commando Memorial is to receive a major overhaul to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the unveiling of the statue, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Royal Marines taking the Commando role.
Work at the memorial garden site will begin on Monday March 14 with an estimated contract period of six weeks. During this time there will be no public access to the memorial garden.
In addition, repair and conservation works to the memorial will begin a few weeks later which will see the whole monument scaffolded and sheeted for a number of weeks. The estimate for completion of all the works is mid-June.
Working in partnership, Highland Council, Commando Association, RMA – The Royal Marines Charity – and War Memorials Trust have funded different elements of the major improvements to the memorial garden, as well as commissioning repairs and appropriate cleaning of the Grade A Listed sculpture. Substantial donations from the public at the site have also made these works possible.
With a total contract cost of more than £150,000 the works will include building a low wall to enclose and protect the memorial garden, installation of improved access and siting of a central stone, very appropriately provided by Achnacarry Estate. The bronze statue and stone plinth will be carefully cleaned, and the flagstone surrounds repaired and repointed.
Prior to works starting, all the tributes will be photographed in situ, carefully removed, safely stored and repositioned once the works are complete.
Chairman of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, Councillor Allan Henderson said: ‘We value the close relationship we have with both the Commando Association and RMA, and are particularly grateful to them for their grants and funding, and also to the public who donate so generously when visiting this area.’
The Memorial will be a focal point for Royal Marines in this 80th anniversary year of the Corps adopting the Commando role and beginning training at Achnacarry.
To suggest another war memorial in need of help or to support the War Memorials Trust charity, email grants@ warmemorials.org or phone 0300 123 0764.