Call for public to join fight to protect Culloden and other Scottish battlefields
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THE Scottish Battlefields Trust (SBT) is calling for people to mobilise to support and protect our battlefields.
The SBY held a Scottish Battlefields Symposium in Edinburgh today (Wed Nov 17) following disappointment at the recent rejection of a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for greater protection for Scotland’s battlefields from insensitive development.
The cross-party petitions committee believed sufficient conservation rules were already in place.
SBT is concerned about housing developments seen recently at battlefield sites like Culloden and Prestonpans, and the destruction of a section of the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie.
Chairman Herbert Coutts said it is time Scotland upped its game when it comes to preserving our national heritage.
SBT works to develop interpretation and engagement with the battlefield by local communities to ensure long term protection and recognition.
More than 40 Scottish battlefields are listed including Highland battles at Culloden, Cromdale, Auldearn and Glen Affric.
Individuals and groups championing the protection and interpretation of such sites are urged to attend the free conference at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh tomorrow from 10.30am-4pm.
Discussions will highlight global best practice in the field with SBT actively providing assistance to battlefield sites by engaging with local communities, staging living history events and creating improved signposting.
Mr Coutts said: “Scotland’s battlefield sites encompass Scottish history in a totally unique way.
“Not only are they hugely significant places at which people lost their lives, but they also mark the turning points of history.
“It’s much easier to protect a site that is treasured by local communities, so we’re keen to help sites develop a strategy of engagement.”
