Badenoch retains its military supporters after surprise Glenmore closure
A friendly invasion of 70 Paratroopers at Kincraig has confirmed that the military has not forsaken Badenoch and Strathspey, even if it has decided to dispense with Rothiemurchus Lodge.
In September last year the shock news was announced that the popular away-from-it all retreat in Glenmore was not going to be used again, having served as the perfect place for R&R for serving and ex personnel from the Armed Forces for nearly 75 years.
James Grant, laird of Rothiemurchus where the complex is based, confirmed the sad loss at the time to the Strathy: “Following a review, the Army has decided to close Rothiemurchus Lodge.”
The decision to axe the military retreat came out of the blue, even though the lodge had been unoccupied since the late spring.
No further announcement has yet been made about the future use of the base.
Instead, the military has been making increasing use of the superbly-appointed Forces Manor project, which has transformed Kincraig’s former Ossian Hotel into a self-catering base able to accommodate up to 60 people.
The village was Ground Zero last week for the annual reunion of various Parachute Regiment battalions who gathered from all around the country, but for 2025 introduced themselves to both Forces Manor and the Suie Lodge, which happily handled the ‘oversplill’.
“We had the honour of hosting vets from the Paras over four unforgettable days,” said Mr Brown - formerly of the Royal Corps of Transport before starting his labour of love project at Forces Manor.
“It was a privilege to welcome them and what a fantastic event it turned out to be. The Paras took me under their wing, schooling me in their fine traditions—from the relentless trials of P Company to the sheer mechanics of leaping from an aircraft, weighed down by kit, heavy weapons, and ammunition. To say I was in awe would be an understatement.”
Mr Brown explained: “I’d served alongside a few during my time in the army—I once had a Para instructor for Northern Ireland training and I worked alongside some of them when I was a member of the Ace Mobile Force—but this weekend was the first time I truly got to understand their role in all its depth.
“The lads didn’t just visit; they became part of the place. They spread out among the locals, who welcomed them with open arms. Some trekked through the hills, others settled in at the pubs and restaurants, turning The Suie Bar and The Boat House into a sea of maroon.”
As the climax of their visit the Paras paraded at the war memorial, where they laid a wreath in honour of their fallen comrades.
The lads only left after booking for next year.
“The place is superb and we can’t wait to be back,” said event co-ordinator Colour Sgt Phil Stubley.
