Written in Britain
Written in Britain
Our brand draws inspiration from a rugged and stunningly beautiful area of wilderness in the West Highlands of Scotland.
Aptly known for centuries as the ‘Rough Bounds’ due to its harsh terrain, warrior society and scenes of brutal Clan conflicts. Enclosed by Loch Hourn, Loch Shiel, and Loch Moidart, this remote expanse is known for its inaccessibility and was perfect as a training ground for a new breed of irregular soldier.
The Art of
Guerrilla Warfare
It is 1940, and with the Second World War tilted in favour of the Nazis, Britain's morale plummeted to its lowest point. The threat of invasion prompted Prime Minister Winston Churchill to propose the creation of a special force to regain the upper hand. Small raiding teams newly designated as Commandos and a clandestine multinational allied paramilitary force designated the Special Operations Executive (SOE) were formed.
It is 1940, and with the Second World War tilted in favour of the Nazis, Britain's morale plummeted to its lowest point. The threat of invasion prompted Prime Minister Winston Churchill to propose the creation of a special force to regain the upper hand. Thus, the Special Operations Executive (SOE) was born. Its mission: “Set Europe ablaze.”
These brave men and women were forged in the harshest corners of Britain, a place where nature's obstacles and remote beauty merged— the ‘Rough Bounds.’ Accessible only through the formidable Great Glen, it became the nerve centre for Special Training Centres (STCs). Together, they defied invasion, emboldened resistance, and left an enduring impact.
Their mission was: “Set Europe ablaze.” A handpicked team of exceptional individuals, selected due to their specialist skills, leadership and technical expertise, was assembled to train volunteer soldiers for clandestine operations in occupied Europe and Asia. Commando raids and the insertion of SOE agents and wireless operators dropped into enemy territory to support local resistance movements in sabotage and disruption were to prove highly effective and contributed greatly to the defeat of Axis Forces.
Special Training Centres
Commando Origins
These brave men and women were forged in the harshest corner of Britain, a place where nature's obstacles and remote beauty merged— the ‘Rough Bounds.’ Accessible only through the formidable Great Glen, it became the nerve centre for Special Training Centres (STCs). Together, they defied invasion, emboldened resistance and left an enduring impact on what was a desperate military situation.
The first Commando STC was at Inverailort House on the banks of Loch Ailort. Later renamed by the Royal Navy to HMS Lochailort for Combined Operations Boat Training
Founding memeber of the sas
Sir Fitzroy Maclean
Major-General Sir Fitzroy Hew Royle Maclean of Dunconnel was a multifaceted personality, encompassing roles as a soldier, diplomat, politician, and writer. His exceptional array of talents and purported influence as a possible inspiration for Ian Fleming's iconic creation, James Bond, render him a truly remarkable figure.
LEARN MORESpecial Operations Executive
Agent training
In the heart of the Rough Bounds, Arisaig house was requisitioned for use as the Headquarters by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) It was used for agent training in support of the outlying hunting lodges and Special Training Centres. The training these early recruits received here arguably changed the outcome of the second World War. Silent killing methods, Explosives, and Railway Sabotage were on the syllabus and evidence of this training still remains in the grounds today.
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Founding memeber of the sas
Sir Fitzroy Maclean
Major-General Sir Fitzroy Hew Royle Maclean of Dunconnel was a multifaceted personality, encompassing roles as a soldier, diplomat, politician, and writer. His exceptional array of talents and purported influence as a possible inspiration for Ian Fleming's iconic creation, James Bond, render him a truly remarkable figure.
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THIS COUNTRY WAS THEIR TRAINING GROUND
The remote and sealed-off nature of the Rough Bounds proved ideal for special operations training. Major-General Colin McVeans Gubbins, second in command of SOE, recognized its advantages, including limited access for enemy spies and convenient transportation by rail and sea.
Designated a 'Protected Area' by Winston Churchill, its vast coastal, mountainous, and lake-filled landscape served as a comprehensive ground for developing skills in navigation, survival, medical expertise, teamwork and boat handling. Army officers with landowner backgrounds requisitioned properties like Inverailort House on the shore of Loch Ailort and Arisaig House, establishing them as Special Training Schools (STSs). Rhubana Lodge, Traigh House, and others were also utilised in this strictly controlled and secret location.
MASTERING THE ART OF COVERT OPERATION
In Scotland, small groups underwent intensive four-week training at designated Special Training School (STS) houses. The curriculum covered physical fitness, unarmed combat, map reading,sabotage, firearms training, and survival skills. Highlanders and unconventional experts like William Fairburn and Bill Sykes instructed the SOE agents, while local civilians and gamekeepers provided practical advice on living off the land.
Military training in the ‘Rough Bounds’ set the standard for allied countries, influencing their troops’ tactics and techniques. Commando pioneers Roger Courtney and David Stirling later went on to form the SBS and SAS, expanding the special forces legacy. Today, the Commando Memorial stands proudly above Spean Bridge as a symbol of the training that shaped these remarkable units, bearing the powerful words, "United We Conquer."
1920 - 1945
Major Anders Lassen
Major Anders Lassen VC, MC **(2 Bars), a fearless seaman and soldier trained in the ‘Rough Bounds’ of Scotland as part of the Danish SOE contingent. With remarkable fieldcraft and hunting skills honed in his aristocratic upbringing, Lassen played a pivotal role in audacious World War II raids, including Op Postmaster, where he helped seize Nazi-linked ships. Decorated with the Victoria Cross and three Military Crosses, his exceptional courage remains an inspiration.
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Paying homage to the breaktaking region of the Rough Bounds and those who made it their training ground.
