Scaffolding to surround memorial for two weeks
Famous statue and plinth to be cleaned as part of refurbishment
The next phase of work on the Commando Memorial site at Spean Bridge got under way this week, with the cleaning of the bronze statue including the stone plinth.
This means the famous memorial has had to be scaffolded and sheeted, obscuring it from public view.
It is anticipated the cleaning work will take around two weeks. This will be followed by repairs to the flagstone area surrounding the memorial which will take a further three weeks.
With a total contract cost of more than £150,000, the work also includes building a low wall to enclose and protect the memorial garden, improved access and siting of a central stone, appropriately provided by the nearby Achnacarry Estate where wartime Commandos were trained.
Prior to work starting, all the tributes were photographed in situ, carefully removed, safely stored and will be repositioned once the work is finished.
RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, War Memorials Trust, Highland Council and the Commando Association have all funded elements of the major improvements to the memorial garden as well as commissioning repairs and appropriate cleaning of Grade-A listed sculpture.
Substantial donations made by the public at the site have also allowed these works possible.
Lack of visibility of the statue will be disappointing for many visitors, but more information about the history of the Commandos can be viewed at the West Highland Museum in Fort William town centre.
The major overhaul of the memorial coincides with the 70th anniversary of the unveiling of the statue and the 80th anniversary the of the Royal Marines taking the Commando role in the UK’s Armed Forces.
The Commando Memorial was unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on September 12, 1952.
Commenting last month, Jonathan Ball, chief executive of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, said: ‘RMA – The Royal Marines Charity is honoured to support the Highland Council in its project to undertake significant renovations to the iconic Commando Memorial and Memorial Garden.
‘More than ever, 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.
‘We are pleased this project has brought us into closer partnership with the council and the Commando Association and we thank them for their hard work and collaboration.'
Peter Oxley, national secretary of the Commando Association and assistant secretary David Matthews, added: ‘The Commando Memorial, known to many as “The Three Men on the Hill”, and the memorial garden are recognised by the worldwide Commando family as our spiritual home.
‘The Commando Association cherishes the relationship it has with the communities of Lochaber which have grown over the years since the memorial was unveiled.
‘We also thank the Highland Council and the Royal Marines Association for their generous funding which has enabled this much-needed work to be carried out.
‘We are certain that once all the renovations and building work are complete, the monument will once again stand proud in the wonderful landscape and the Commando motto “United We Conquer” will once again be clear for everyone to see.’