Commando Memorial Heritage Trail
A commemorative initiative established in 2021 to honor Scottish sculptor Scott Sutherland (1910–1984), renowned for creating the iconic Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. Despite the memorial's prominence, Sutherland's personal legacy had faded over time. This project aims to rekindle public awareness of his contributions and celebrate his artistic achievements.
About the project
A brief history
In August 2021, at the behest of an interested member of the RMA/CA an informal meeting of the Commando brotherhood was organised at Dunkeld House Hotel in Perthshire. The individuals gathered on that day were presented with a number of facts relating to the life and works of Mr Scott Sutherland DA, RSA, FRBS.
It was immediately apparent that there was unanimous agreement that action was required to reverse the receding public awareness of the Scottish artist-creator of the iconic Commando Memorial located above the birthplace of WW2 Commandos at Achnacarry near the village of Spean Bridge, Lochaber, Scotland.
It was decided to form an informal association with a representative committee in order to determine what might be done to regenerate interest and awareness of Scott Sutherland and the Commando Memorial.
The committee of four members of both the Royal Marines Association (RMA) and the Commando Association (CA) unanimously agreed that the project would be conducted on a 'Not-for-profit' basis, with transparent accounting and reporting to both represented charities.
Source: SSP Website
Our commitment to the Scott Sutherland Project
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Where history meets craftsmanship
We’ve been proud partners of the SSP since day one, having previously collaborated with Steve Nicoll on several commemorative plaque projects. This initiative was a little different: the goal was to create a consistent design template across eleven plaques, each customised with unique text to reflect the significance of its location. A simple idea, executed well — and with eight plaques already installed, it’s been a truly successful partnership.
An endorsement from the Scott Sutherland Project committee members
- The Scott Sutherland Project started in 2021 with a desire to commemorate the legacy of the man responsible for the Commando Memorial. To achieve that desire was the need to recruit key stakeholders. Anglia Sign Casting have led the charge with unwavering excellence, total commitment and outstanding customer service. The public face of the Scott Sutherland Project are the magnificent commemorative plaques produced by Anglia Sign Casting. They are responsible for the project gaining unprecedented levels of support and goodwill.
- The project committee fully recognise the importance of the excellent relationship created by Gary, Robbie and James (Hubbard).
- With gratitude and appreciation: Colonel Barry Barnwell OBE, Dave Matthews, Paul (Ed) Wilson and Steve Nicoll.
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The Leaping Salmon Statue
Originally commissioned for the Norie Miller Garden in Perth, the sculpture was severely damaged by vandalism and never replaced. The Sutherland family retained the working maquette of the four salmon and later offered it to the SSP for consideration.
Atlantic salmon returning to spawn in Scotland's rivers face a host of formidable obstacles, both natural and man-made. Many do not survive the journey. The parallels with Commando training and operations were readily apparent.
The Commando Memorial honours those killed and injured in operations, but until now, there has been no tribute to the many courageous men who lost their lives or were wounded during the intense, wartime-style training that Commandos endured. Live ammunition and explosives were a constant presence throughout their preparation. The Leaping Salmon statue will serve as a lasting memorial to these men and to the loved ones they left behind.
Bringing the Leaping Salmon to life through collaboration.
- The final casting of the Leaping Salmon statue took place at Powderhall Bronze in Leith, where the sculpture was cast and transformed from a golden form into its distinctive green bronze patina. These photos capture key moments in that process, including sculptor Alan Beattie Herriot holding one of our plaques alongside three of the four committee members.
The plinth, the plaque and the carver’s touch.
- The design of the plinth and plaque closely echoes the iconic style of the Commando Memorial. Master letter carver David Wilson also played a vital role, elegantly engraving the two inscriptions that bring the memorial to life.
We are proud to recognize Powderhall Bronze, Alan Beattie Herriot, and David Wilson as valued stakeholders in the Scottish Salute Project. Our deepest thanks, as always, go to the family of Scott Sutherland, whose support and approval made this tribute possible.