Unique forces retreat base in Badenoch gets its first 'resident' as project takes shape
The transformation of Badenoch’s former Ossian Hotel into a unique rest and recuperation base for the armed forces has already welcomed its first serviceman.
Not that young Travis Miller had much time for rest or recuperation.
For the Junior Para it was soon shirt off and “Shift those planks with that wheelbarrow!”
The 16-year-old recruit told the Strathy he was in his element, though.
“This is going to be a brilliant place. A lot of guys are going to appreciate the kind of facility being created here for them,” he said.
Initially from Cumbernauld, he is now stationed at Harrogate, and was more than happy to pull his weight during this past week’s stay in Kincraig.
Tony Brown is carrying out the transformation of the former restaurant and hotel.
A former soldier himself, he has won some seriously high-ranking approval for his project – not least from Prince William himself.
“But it’s been fantastic to have a brand new junior soldier here to see what’s taking shape,” he said.
“Travis choose to stay at Forces Manor for his first ever official leave. Just like me when I was his age, he didn’t have an official leave address, so it was a true honour to be able to accommodate him.
“In a sense it’s brought history full circle for me.
“I still remember the sheer joy of being welcomed here by John and Marion Ramage and their daughter Lynn and her husband Johnny Rainbow back in the early 1970s.
“This place was a legend then and it’s going to be so again, for different reasons, which Travis is just as excited about as me.
“He’s really enjoyed discovering the area and had never been to the Highlands before.”
The youngster said: “I really thought it was all kilts and swords.
“But it’s turned out to be a great place and I’m definitely coming back.
“Apart from anything else I want to see it all taking shape.”
Mr Brown said: “He’s invited back to spend his leave here whenever he wants.”
The ex-soldier still leads the local Army Cadet Detachment and has been helped in the preparation work by several of his proteges, such as young Anthony Campbell from Aviemore.
"Anthony's already made a great contribution, rolling up his sleeves for the cause. Others have done a variety of helpful tasks such as clearing dead branches from the grounds – and there's been plenty of those with the landscaping work also underway. The cadets have proved quite a force of their own and many are serious about ultimately joining the forces.
“When I joined the Army as a junior I had the Paras down as one of my choices, but eventually chose different and joined the Royal Corps of Transport, serving in Northern Ireland, Asia, Germany and across Europe.
“All the same, the Paras are a regiment that I have huge respect for.
“As part of Travis’ stay here I took him to meet Para legend John Keenan, which he greatly appreciated.”
Meantime, the great work goes on for Mr Brown, who has permission to create a not-for-profit respite centre for holidays, short breaks, reunions, meetings, training, small weddings and conferences.
Whole units might take it over for special events, Mr Brown said.
