ICYMI: Culloden Battlefield needs more protection?
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CULLODEN Battlefield is bracing itself for its latest fight – against the threat of intrusive development.
The first of four drop-in sessions where members of the public could add their views after seeing how potential schemes could impact on the historic site.
It was part of the Culloden 300 survey and already more than 2500 people have already given their views via the website.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, the operations manager for Culloden Battlefield, said: “We are looking at the battlefield, its place and the measures of protection at the moment.”
Currently the battlefield is in the middle of a conservation area but he wondered whether this was enough to provide the protection from unwelcome development that the site needed.
Mr Curtis-Machin gave the example of Viewhill, which was opposed by both National Trust Scotland as well as Highland Council, however after the planning application was rejected it was later overturned following an appeal.
He said: “In that case the protection was not strong enough and it’s not robust.”
David McGrath, the chairman of Smithton and Culloden Community Council, attended Thursday’s session at Barn Church.
He said: “There are too many people from outwith the area who are coming up with all sorts of ideas for Culloden Battlefield that aren’t really relevant to the people who live here – we see the battlefield for what it is, a war grave.”
Paddy and Elizabeth Walsh, who live just outside the conservation area in the Feabuie area, were also concerned. Mr Walsh said: “It doesn’t make sense to exploit it.”
Mrs Walsh felt some development should be allowed but this should be “within reason” and appropriate. She added: “If a farmhouse needs to go up, that sort of thing, but not a five-storey hotel.”
n For more information, visit: www.culloden300.org.uk
