The Scott Sutherland (Commando Memorial Heritage Trail) Project
Introduction:
In August 2021, members of the Commando brotherhood, recognised that the name, life and talents of the creator of the iconic statue, affectionately referred to as the 'Three Men on the Hill' above Spean Bridge, was slowly but surely being lost in the mist of time.
At an informal meeting of like-minded individuals, it was determined that such a travesty could not be permitted and that one of Scotland's most talented artists should be remembered and celebrated.
Together they formulated a concept to ensure the life and works of Scott Sutherland would not be forgotten..
The Mission:
To ensure that the contribution made by this remarkable sculptor to the enduring memory of the public and all commando ranks is commemorated with gratitude;
Phase 1:
The design, creation, funding and placement of the 'Heritage Trail' plaques has been initiated and start-up funding from donations made by RMA Branches and the CA, allowing work to commence.
See our supporters..
Plaques have now been placed adjacent to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, near Sutherland's Birthplace in Wick, at former family homes in Newport-On- Tay and Birkhill s well as sites where the artist studied or worked; University of Abertay Bell Street, Dundee.
Phase 3:
It is hoped to extend the trail to Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Dundee University as well as sites in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
Phase 1 Dates 2022 - 2023
27 SEP 22 Plaque No.1 Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge COMPLETED
20 JAN 23 Plaque No.2 Scott Sutherland Birthplace - Wick COMPLETED
01 MAR 23 Plaque No.3 Sutherland Studio, Abertay University COMPLETED
13 APR 23 Plaque No.4 Sutherland residence Newport-On-Tay COMPLETED
23 MAY 23 Plaque No.5 Sutherland Residence Birkhill, Dundee COMPLETED
01 SEP 23 Plaque No.6 Site of Casting Foundry, Cheltenham COMPLETED
XX MAR 24 Plaque No.7 Dundee University, Perth Road PLANNED
XX APR 24 Plaque No.8 Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen NEGOTIATION
Phase 2: Dates 2023 - 2024
XX MAR/APR 24 Secure required Materials, Inverness/Ft William PLANNED
XX APR/MAY 24 Breakground - Lay Foundations, Achnacarry PLANNED
XX APR/MAY 24 Intiatate work to commence on Leaping Salmon PLANNED
XX MAY/JUN 24 Construct Stone Plinth for statue PLANNED
XX JUN 24 Authorise production of Leaping Salmon PENDING FUNDING
..... Placement of Leaping Salmon on Plinth PENDING FUNDING
TBA Unveiling and Dedication of Monument PENDING FUNDING
Phase 2:
Leaping Salmon Monument
TO BE DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO WERE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED DURING COMMANDO TRAINING IN SCOTLAND
In order to conclude the Commando Heritage Trail, it is hoped to recreate one of Scott Sutherland's statue that was sadly destroyed.
The 'Leaping Salmon' is considered to represent key elements of the Commando spirit and ethos. The four salmon depict the endeavour to complete their natural mission to return to the waters of their birth and like so many post-operational servicemen and women, some will return wounded and carry both the obvious and unseen injuries for the rest of their lives.
On completion, the renewed statue will stand on a plinth modelled on that of the Commando Memorial and will be placed in the garden of the Clan Cameron Museum in the grounds of Achnacarry... the birthplace of Commando Forces.
YOUR DONATIONS - GREAT OR SMALL - ARE MOST WELCOME
AS WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE COURAGE OF THOSE WHO BEGAN COMMANDO TRAINING AND THE SACRIFICE MADE THROUGH INJURY OR DEATH