Angus-based Royal Marines have taken their place in the final stage of an epic challenge marking the 350th anniversary of the elite corps.
The serene setting of the woodland memorial garden at the RM Condor home of 45 Commando on the outskirts of Arbroath was Wednesday morning’s venue for a baton handover by the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, as the 1664 Challenge set out on the latest stage of a marathon journey which will conclude in London later this month.
Since February, a core team of six Royal Marines including Condor-based Tom Barker have skied, sailed, kayaked and run thousands of miles across Scandinavia and Europe in the challenge, which is raising money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
The trek began more than 248 miles north of the Norwegian Arctic circle and involved a 1,664km (1,033 miles) ski across the frozen north from Porsangermoen to Stavanger.
From Stavanger the team sailed to Cadiz in Spain, cycled to the English Channel and then embarked on a 1,664km run through England, Scotland and Wales which will culminate in them crossing the finish line at the Royal Marines Corps celebration marathon in London on July 25.
Wednesday’s leg took the core team and a squad of Condor colleagues to Broughty Ferry.
The run phase will also visit St Andrews and be part of the opening ceremony of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in Rosyth before an Edinburgh Castle handover on Friday, when the baton will pass to the Royal Marines Reserve Scotland.
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Cheesman, Commanding Officer, 45 Commando group, said the Angus base was “honoured and humbled” to be part of the event.
“The determination of the six individuals who form the 1664 Challenge’s core team to complete this remarkable feat is extraordinary.
“I’m delighted the mighty 45 can play their part in supporting them through to the next leg of their journey.
“The challenge is raising money for a very worthwhile cause and is a great way to celebrate the Royal Marine Corps’ 350th birthday.”
Angus Lord Lieutenant, Georgiana Osborne said: “The county of Angus has a very special relationship with 45 Commando Royal Marines.
“I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to play a small part in this remarkable feat.”
Colour Sergeant Jake Calvert, 31, one of the 45 team who joined Wednesday’s leg to Broughty Ferry, said: “We’ve been following the progress of the challenge so it’s nice to see it get up to Scotland and be part of it.”
Photo by Angus Pictures