The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.

The Scott Sutherland Project

Scroll Down

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.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
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 Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
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
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.
The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.

Our commitment to the Scott Sutherland Project

Read More

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.

Honouring the past with precision

Combining advanced pattern-making technology with time-honored sand casting techniques, each Commando Heritage Trail plaque is crafted with exceptional detail.

The Scott Sutherland Commando Heritage Trail, honouring the legacy of British Commandos trained in the Scottish Highlands during World War II, featuring historical information and sculptural artwork by Scott Sutherland.

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.

For more information about the Scott Sutherland Project, we invite you to explore their website.