The Woodlands Garden Trust in Arbroath will host an awareness evening on January 20 to allow potential sponsors to view plans for a £150,000 outdoor remembrance area at RM Condor.
The designs for the project, created by TV gardener Toby Buckland, will transform a section of unused ground at the base into a focal point for reflection, where service personnel and their families can remember those who fell in battle.
Commanding officer of 45 Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Lee, will host a drinks reception in the officers’ mess, where a briefing on the development will be provided.
He said, “This project is especially timely and appropriate given the operational burden shouldered by 45 Commando in recent years and the sacrifice made by many of its people.
“The project has already aroused considerable interest, with Toby Buckland the leading horticulturalist and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter being the design and project manager.
“The garden itself can be broken down into clear bite-size chunks if anyone wishes to sponsor a specific element, and this will be explained at the reception.”
The unit is aiming to have the garden finished by November 11 to host its own service of remembrance.
What is currently a featureless rectangle will be transformed by base staff, students from Angus College horticulture department and service personnel.
A memorial tablet inscribed with the names of all those associated with 45 Commando who died on active service will be placed at the centre of the garden.
The project will incorporate the Royal Marines’ globe and laurel cap badge and will use materials brought back from combat zones where Arbroath personnel have fought and died.
Donations towards the build can be made online.