Leslie Hutt, Architect, June 2021 wrote:
Extension to Memorial Garden, by the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge
1. Introduction The Commando Memorial is a Category A listed monument at Spean Bridge, dedicated to the men of the Commando Forces raised during World War II. Situated around a mile from Spean Bridge, it overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, it is one of Scotland?s best-known monuments, both as a war memorial and as a tourist attraction offering views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. The monument stands as a memorial to the British Commandos who trained around the Lochaber region, and is used as site for memorial services, including the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and Remembrance Day ceremonies. The Garden of Remembrance, which was subsequently added to the site, is used by many surviving World War II Commandos as the designated final resting place for their ashes. It also allows family and friends to place small memorials and plaques in memory of those who have served with the Commandos/ Combined Forces since the Second World War. Due to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there has been an increase in the number of memorials placed on site and this project looks to extend the curtilage of the garden.
2. Proposals
It is proposed to build a new stone boundary wall to the perimeter of the existing gravel area, to create a more sheltered area for memorials and tributes.
The existing centre area would be infilled with boulders from Achnacarry in recognition of the original training environment.
The entrance would be marked by two sandstone pillars, etched with the Combined Forces badge
Access paths and the existing timber footbridge will be widened and upgraded to facilitate wheelchair access