Chiltondale have created a centrepiece for a memorial gardens for the Royal Marines in Scotland.

Chris Chilton of Chiltondale Wrought Ironsmiths wrote to Gardeners’ World presenter Tony Buckland after seeing an article on the garden at RM Condor, Arbroath.

Chris’s father, Mike, is an ex-Marine, so he thought it would be nice to offer a piece of ironwork for the garden, where those who have been injured, or lost comrades, can relax and be at one with their thoughts.

Having seen the quality of Chiltondale’s work, the Marine in charge of the project, Captain Steve Lewis, asked if Chiltondale would be prepared to make a centrepiece.  

Based on the main part of their cap badge,  a semi-globe was created which weighs over one tonne and measures 4.5 metres in diameter and 1.5 metres in height.

Capt Lewis said: “This project is especially timely and appropriate given the burden shouldered by 45 Commando in recent years and the sacrifice made by many of its people. We are especially grateful to Mike and Chris Chilton for their contribution.”

A memorial stone inscribed with the names of all those associated with 45 Commando who died on active service has been placed at the centre of the garden, which was officially opened in November 2011.

Chris Chilton with the sculptural centrepiece of the RM Condor Garden