Ross and Cromarty Archaeological Services had an immense opportunity this month to work alongside volunteers from the Lochaber Archaeological Society at Achnacarry, near Spean Bridge. The society is conducting a project to research and record the site of the Commando Basic Training Camp at Achnacarry and RoCAS was invited to evaluate some of the training areas on the former WWII-era camp.

Achnacarry Castle, located on the banks of the River Arkaig amidst desolate and mountainous Highland terrain, was known as "Castle Commando" and was home to over 25,000 commando trainees between 1942 and 1946. The training at Achnacarry was the forerunner to all special forces training.

Commandos in training at Achnacarry early 1940s

The group's excavation of one shooting butt against the estate's former garden wall revealed stratified layers of the bank with remnants of hessian bag surviving amongst clusters of various small weaponry bullets, the majority of which were .45 ACP. This amazing project is carrying out a superb programme of site investigation and recording, interpretation and community events and we were delighted to experience WWII archaeology in the Scottish Highlands on this important heritage site. The Society will be hosting an open day at Achnacarry on 30th August - put the date in your diary!

Walled garden and shooting butts / Excavation in progress