Celebrating the legacy of Scott Sutherland with Commando Heritage Plaque

A plaque recognising the remarkable achievements of Scottish sculptor Scott Sutherland, former Head of Sculpture, has been installed outside Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD). 

The installation is a collaborative effort between the University of Dundee, DJCAD, and The Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project, aiming to celebrate Sutherland’s lasting impact on the art community and commemorate his legacy.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday 10 July with members of the University, DJCAD, and the Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project in attendance, along with a piper to mark the occasion.

Scott Sutherland, renowned for creating the iconic Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, is being honoured with the seventh plaque in the Commando Memorial Heritage Trail. 

This trail features plaques at various locations linked to Sutherland and his work, ensuring that his contributions to art and heritage are remembered and celebrated. The unveiling of this penultimate plaque marks a significant milestone in the project’s mission to preserve Sutherland’s legacy.

Sutherland’s work, particularly the Commando Memorial, affectionately known as the 'Three Men on the Hill,' holds a special place in Scotland’s cultural heritage. 

Recognising that his name and accomplishments were at risk of being forgotten, members of the Commando brotherhood and the Royal Marines Association (RMA) came together in August 2021. At a meeting in Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire, they unanimously agreed to take action to revive public awareness of Sutherland’s contributions. This initiative led to the formation of a dedicated committee to spearhead efforts in commemorating Sutherland’s life and work.

The seventh plaque, positioned on the brick screen wall directly in front of the Crawford Building, serves as a testament to Sutherland’s time at DJCAD and his influence as an educator and artist. Sutherland's time at DJCAD saw him nurturing and inspiring a generation of sculptors, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and its students.

Professor Anita Taylor, Dean of the School of Art and Design said, “At DJCAD, we are delighted to become the seventh location for the Commando Memorial Heritage Trail - an important initiative that raises public awareness of Scott Sutherland, the creator of the iconic Commando Memorial at Achnacarry. 

“This plaque is especially important to us, as Scott Sutherland was a truly significant figure within the history of DJCAD, from 1947 to 1975.

“Creating the Commando Memorial Sculpture in the sculpture studios of the College in 1949, when we were still located in Bell Street, Sutherland’s pedagogical model – of a leading sculptor providing vital training for students - as he worked on this major national commission was achieved with great effect. 

“This influenced the development of the highly successful new sculpture programme and the design of the new sculpture studios at the College as we moved to Perth Road from Bell Street. 

“The Sculpture department was the first to move into the new Crawford building in 1955, and Sutherland also contributed to the design of the next new sculpture studios in 1975; these are still in use today. 

“Carving the inscription on the foundation stone of the Crawford Building, the trace of his hand remains with us, anonymously and in service to others, with this new memorial plaque a fitting reminder of the phenomenal impact of Scott Sutherland’s Commando Memorial sculpture, in service to others.”

The Scott Sutherland Commando Memorial Heritage Trail Project has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, driven by the collective efforts of individuals dedicated to preserving Sutherland’s legacy. Their work ensures that the story of Scott Sutherland and the iconic Commando Memorial will continue to be celebrated and remembered.