Scott Sutherland Homecoming at Newport on Tay

The fourth plaque of the Commando Memorial Heritage Trail was unveiled in Newport on Tay on Thursday 13th April. The plaque was unveiled by Scott Sutherland's great granddaughter, Rosie Sutherland at the Sutherland family home until 1984.

The service was attended by ten members of the Sutherland family who had travelled from the four corners of the UK. For them it was also a homecoming as well as being supporters of the project to commemorate Scott 'Scotty' Sutherland. Also in attendance was Alan Beattie Herriot, a leading figurative sculptor and a Sutherland student. Alan is also collaborating with the project committee to develop the Leaping Salmon statue at Achnacarry.

Frances and Paul McAree came to represent Uncle Jim Barclay. Jim had assisted Scott Sutherland with the clay model of the Commando Memorial in his Dundee Studio. Sadly Jim passed away in March but only revealed his involvement with the Commando Memorial to his family in his final months. Paul McAree is a serving Warrant Officer with the Royal Marines.

ScotMid had generously provided funding through their Community Grant scheme and the project committee are grateful to Lynne Ogg for her support. Lynne is married to a former Royal Marine who had proposed to her at the Commando Memorial. Lynne and Graeme partnered up with Jim Cogan and his partner, Jackie, to fund the commemorative bronze tablet that will be placed on the Leaping Salmon statue. This statue will be dedicated to the officers and men of the Commandos killed or injured during wartime training. There is no memorial for their sacrifice.

Thanks to the many project supporters and donors who have helped to carry this project forward. The fifth plaque is scheduled for the 23rd of May at Birkhill, Dundee @ 1030. The Sutherland family lived there for eight years. During that time Scott Sutherland entered and won the design competition for the Commando Memorial. Thanks to the support of former Royal Marines, Bob Colville and Callum Murray for their contributions towards putting the plaques in place so expertly.