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 Join us for an in-depth exploration of the secretive world of SOE and Commando training in Scotland. 
 

During the Second World War, the rugged and remote locations of Scotland were strategically chosen as training grounds for Allied units specialising in irregular warfare. The Lochaber area, with its challenging terrain and seclusion, provided an ideal environment for preparing agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the newly formed Commandos.

Several country houses and lodges, such as those in Arisaig and surrounding areas, were requisitioned to accommodate small, elite teams of men and women selected to serve as SOE agents. These operatives were trained in sabotage, espionage, and guerrilla tactics, crucial skills for their missions behind enemy lines.

Simultaneously, the same harsh environment was used to forge the Commandos into one of the most formidable fighting forces of the war. Training at locations like Achnacarry Castle, known as the "Commando Depot," focused on endurance, survival skills, and specialised combat techniques. The mountainous terrain mirrored the conditions they would face during raids on enemy-occupied coastlines across Europe.

Both the SOE and the Commandos were trained to be tough, self-reliant individuals, capable of operating independently and without support for extended periods. Their rigorous training in the Scottish Highlands was instrumental in preparing them for the critical roles they would play in turning the tide of the war.