A Scottish commando course which provided the training that enabled the troops to be pitched into combat with the Nazis during the Second World War is to be opened to allow the public to test their endurance skills.
Achnacarry Castle near Spean Bridge in the Highlands was the birthplace of the elite force and home to a tortuous training ground for soldiers who were so feared by Hitler that he gave orders for any caught alive to be shot immediately.
Commando Spirit, which raises funds to support for the soldiers and their families, is to rebuild their first assault and endurance courses as part of the inaugural Commando Games on September 10 and 11.
Civilians will have a chance to experience first-hand what they went through in the event at Achnacarry, but will be supported all the way by serving and former commandos.
New features have been added, to the original challenge of 70 years ago.
There will be the legendary 30-mile trek; a nine mile speed march; an endurance course including natural obstacles, mud runs, tunnels and crawls; and the assault course featuring rope bridges, obstacles and the 'death slide.'
Participants can take on any or all of these challenges.
They are part of a year-long programme of events through which people can test their mettle on training exercises, normally only experienced by members of the services such as Royal Marines, solders and airmen, who are training to be commandos. Other challenges include Take The Leap, Commando-style abseil from Glasgow’s Titan Crane in June and Escape The Dunker, where participants escape from a mock helicopter fuselage in a simulated crash.
Sally-Anne Hunter, Commando Spirit Series Founder and Director, said: “Aptly for Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, our Commando Endurance and Assault Courses are being constructed to accurately replicate the unique historic architectural design and innovative content of the original training courses that service men completed during the Second World War to become commandos and earn the right to wear the coveted green beret. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to be the first to complete these authentic courses since they were last undertaken in the 1940s.”
Clan chief Cameron of Lochiel, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Commando Spirit is bringing their inspiring new Commando Games to Achnacarry Estate in 2016. Since 2013, this highly professional team has organised the iconic 30 mile Survive The Yomp at Achnacarry Estate, supporting the growth of our local economy and raising awareness of the uniquely rich Commando heritage of the area.
"I look forward to seeing them build on this success and to welcoming the many brave participants as they prove their mettle at these tough but rewarding Commando Games."
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