From green berets to green fingers

Sixteen Royal Marines from HM Naval Base Clyde swapped their coveted green berets for green fingers when they spent the day helping to renovate the garden of a local Children’s Hospice.

The Royal Marines, who are all with 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, visited nearby Robin House on July 13 and lent their considerable muscle-power to clearing some of the two-acre garden surrounding the hospice.  

Under the watchful eye of gardener Maggie Brown, the Commandoes got amongst a burn that needed some serious weeding attention, helping to improve the grounds surrounding the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) site. 

Warrant Officer 2 Rab Murray, a Royal Navy and Royal Marines welfare officer who organised the event, said:  “It has been a great day out with a chance to make a real difference for a worthwhile cause.”

Sergeant Blacklock from 43 Commando Motor Transport Troop continued:  “When the Regimental Sergeant Major asked me to head this up I thought it was going to be a back-breaking day.  But it has actually been a great opportunity to get out with my lads and do something different. 

“The job is never done and 43 Commando hope to support CHAS again in the near future.”

Robin House, near Balloch, Loch Lomond, was opened in 2005 and offers a purpose-built “home from home” with accommodation for up to eight families from across Scotland at any one time. 

The garden is a focal point for the children and families, allowing them to get out in the open, by bed and wheelchair access, while enjoying the amazing local scenery.