Lochaber remembers Armistice and honours Commando Veterans

Hundreds of members of the community and active armed forces personnel commemorated Remembrance Day at a civic ceremony on Sunday 13th November, 11am at the Fort William War Memorial on The Parade.

Taking the salute was Major General Buster Howes, Commandant General, Royal Marines with Lord Lt Cameron of Lochiel, and The Highland Council's Lochaber Provost Councillor Allan Henderson.

Lochaber High School sixth year pupils Rhiannon Cameron and Jack Groundwater laid a wreath at the War Memorial and the parade was led by the Lochaber Schools Pipe Band.

Provost Henderson said: “Remembering those, who serve our country with their lives, continues to demand a mark of respect among our community. Not only are we remembering those from the past but we think of our members of the armed forces and their families currently in service.”

In the afternoon the Commando Veterans’ Association also led a commemoration at the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge.  This was followed by the opening and consecration of an extended Garden of Remembrance. Lochaber Schools Pipe Band headed up a parade to the Commando Memorial and the Lochaber High School Wind Band played for the Service of Remembrance.

Jim Sutherland, Head Teacher of Lochaber High School said: “Remembrance Day is a major event for Lochaber High School. Our sixth year pupils sell poppies in school for the Scottish Poppy Appeal and we hold special assemblies for all year groups to mark the event.”

He added: “This commemoration at the Commando Memorial is always a very poignant and highly emotional event which the school is very proud to be a part of. The school has a special, long-standing link with the Commando Veterans’ Association.”

Many veterans trained in the Lochaber area during the war and come back during Remembrance weekend for the services at the Commando Memorial.  On Friday 11 November, Lochaber High School put on a concert for visiting veterans.

The Commando Veterans’ Association presented the ‘Commando Shield’ for Musician of the Year to Ailee Campbell of the Pipe Band and Jack Groundwater of the Wind Band. Pupils enjoyed the chance to chat with veterans after the concert.