45 Commando Royal Marines Memorial

Just outside Arbroath, on a windswept stretch of Aberdeenshire coast, stands a stark memorial to the 45 Commando Royal Marines who lost their lives during the Second World War. It's a modest but poignant spot - the kind of place that makes you pause and think about what happened here decades ago.

The memorial itself is simple and respectful, marking where these men fell. There's nothing flashy about it, which feels appropriate somehow. You get decent views across the water, and on a clear day it's the sort of location where history feels genuinely present rather than just read about in a guidebook.

This appeals most to military history enthusiasts and anyone with a connection to the Commandos. It's not a major visitor attraction with facilities or lengthy interpretation - you're really coming here to pay respects and absorb the setting. Plan for 20 minutes or so unless you want to sit quietly for longer.

Access appears to be free, though you should check locally before visiting as details can shift. It works well combined with exploring the Arbroath coastline itself, which is genuinely worth a walk. If you're based at The Grange Glamping just down the road, it's an easy detour that adds real substance to a Highland break without requiring hours of your time.