A very wet train journey through the West Highlands of Scotland. Part Two.

Day 2: Spean Bridge.

The Commando Monument just north of Spean Bridge is an impressive bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands of Allied troops during the Second World War.

During that time the Commandos had their main training camp at Achnacarry castle, part of Cameron of Locheil's Lochaber estate. When new recruits for the Commandos arrived by train at Spean Bridge, they then had to march seven miles to Achnacarry.

In 1952 the Queen Mother unveiled Scott Sutherland's magnificent memorial to the commandos at this, the most scenic point of their journey with views to Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. The monument overlooks the rugged terrain upon which the Commandos did their training.

 In recent years the memorial has taken on a new meaning. People who had no connection to the Second World War Commandos travel to Spean Bridge to leave a tribute to their own fallen soldier. A memorial garden has been built nearby for these small tributes for men who died in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, or men who served for many years as a Royal Marine Commando and have recently passed away.

 

The remoteness and beauty of the site and the surrounding landscape adds to the emotional impact of the memorial. A reminder, should we need one, of the hardships endured by many of our ancestors for all of our sakes.

More about the Commando Monument here...

Day 3: Fort William to Lancaster.
Once again the weather was against us. I more or less gave up trying to take photos. Instead I just sat back, had a glass of wine or two and enjoyed the journey.

 Cheerio for now Scotland. Please have kinder weather in store for our trip to Skye, later in the year!

Thanks for visiting, hope you've enjoyed the photos. 

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