We are here at this grand Memorial dedicated to the British Commandos to thank and pay tribute to all those who trained in this region from Inveraillort in the far West, around Inveraray and the islands and of course especially here at Achnacarry Castle. Just like all who followed, inevitably the heavy rain was mentioned! On closing, Kevin introduced John Millin. The Voyage Piper, Karl Wainwright, fitted the chanter taken from Bill Millins Pipes but had scant opportunity to tune this and even less chance for John Millin to have any practice time.Īs the heavens opened in true Spean Bridge style, the ceremony was opened by Kevin Lane who made a speech of welcome, especially focusing on the story of Piper Bill Millin as the central character of this Millin-Montgomery Remembrance Voyage a real but symbolic personality representing all those who trained in this Highland region. This was the first playing of the Millin-Montgomery Pipes which had only recently been delivered from Hardies of Glasgow. Members of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) Fort William Branch were in attendance along with representatives of the Highlands & Islands Council. Lochiel was welcomed also as Clan Chief and as the owner of Achnacarry Castle & Estate. We were especially delighted to welcome Donald Cameron of Lochiel who joined the ceremony in his official capacity of Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire representing Her Majesty the Queen. It is reported that in conversation with Bill Millin, the Queen Mother had cheerfully expressed her envy, that whilst she may be remembered for 100 years, it was Piper Millin and the Commandos who would be remembered for a thousand years.Īrrangements for this gathering had been notably assisted by Lt Colonel (retd) Kevin Lane MBE, Vice Chairman of the Fort William Branch of the RBL (Scotland) and Joe Murtagh, the National Secretary of the Commando Veteran Association. This simple yet powerful memorial was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952. On Sunday 4 th May we assembled as a group at the famous Commando Memorial known to Commando Veterans as The Three Men on the Hill. It was unthinkable to start this Remembrance Voyage from anywhere else.
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