Charity unveils plans to honour 'birthplace' of Europe's commandos

One of Scotland’s most iconic attractions could soon have a radical makeover.

A vision has been unveiled for an underground visitor centre beneath the Commando Monument that overlooks Ben Nevis.

Those behind the project hope to make it a reality in time for remaining WWII veterans to see it.

On Saturday, a ceremony launched a charity and potentially a new era for the Commando forces that Winston Churchill established 85 years ago.

The International Commando Heritage Trust hopes to transform the iconic site which has drawn visitors from around the world since its unveiling in the 1950s.

The vision promises to be sensitively built in the hillside beneath the existing monument at Spean Bridge.

Colonel (Retired) Barry Barnwell of the Commando Association said: “It cannot be seen from the road. The only glass faces out towards the Nevis Range and the fields, and it would be just below the eyeline in every respect.

“The architects and designers that have been helping us consider this concept and have given us some figures to work with, of course. And we’re now currently looking at a three-phase build for £7.5m.”

He added: “We lost two (WWII veteran colleagues) last week. We are undoubtedly going to lose most of the rest, if not all of them, within the next five years.

“If we can open this facility with one or two of them present to see that we are taking their legacy forward, if we can achieve that within five years I think we will have done a great job for our veterans of that era.”

Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Naval Regional Commander, said: “It would allow the facility to take on a lot more visitors and do so in more comfort and provide a bit more information other than that the iconic, fantastic memorial built by Scott Sutherland in the 50s, which in and of itself and the landscape that it stands in, is an amazing spectacle.”

Fundraising has begun for the dramatic new stage that will showcase priceless Commando memorabilia which was previously displayed at a nearby hotel.

Folk star Isla St Clair, a VIP guest at the ceremony, sang “Lament for the Commandos” written by her mother Zetta, who had two brothers killed in action – one a Commando.

A new International Commando Heritage Trust tri-services tartan was also unveiled at the weekend event.