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Former serving Royal Marines unveiled the plaque dedicated to memorial sculptor Scott Sutherland. (Wallace Ferrier)

Members of The East of Scotland Royal Marines Association and Commando Association travelled to Spean Bridge, Lochaber, recently to unveil a memorial to sculptor, Scott Sutherland.

A highly proficient artist, Mr Sutherland won a design competition to sculpt the famous Commando memorial there, which overlooks the force’s Second World War training grounds on the Achnacarry Estate. It was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952.

A project team of Col Barry Barnwell, Steve Nicoll Paul Wilson and Dave Matthews are organising a Commando Heritage Trail, which will be marked at notable locations linked to the memorial and Scott Sutherland.

Paul Wilson gave a talk on the life of Scott Sutherland and the Commandos and a minute’s silence was held for fallen comrades. Dave Matthews provided a bottle of port, and the group firstly toasted Absent Friends followed by a toast to King Charles III.

The group was also joined by a group of doctors and nurses from 306HSR (Hospital Support Regiment), based near York, who happened to be visiting the memorial and took the opportunity to have their get their photo taken with the veterans.

Further information can be found at www.commando-heritage-trail.com.