Public plea to protect Culloden Battlefield
The unique atmosphere and the open aspects of Culloden Battlefield must be protected, according to the public.
Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has revealed the findings of its Culloden 300 consultation.
About 3000 people took part online and in person in the survey to establish how the public wants the site of Britain’s last pitched battle to look in 2046 – 300 years on from the event
The site attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year but in recent years it has come under increasing pressure from piecemeal development.
The Living with the Battlefield report shows overwhelming support for protecting the open aspects and its importance as a place of history and remembrance
Of the participants, 68 per cent were from Scotland, showing a strong national concern for the battlefield’s future while almost 40 per cent of respondents specifically highlighted the issue of development in the area with many expressing concerns about its long-term impact.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, operations manager at Culloden Battlefield, said people strongly believed its special qualities must be protected, now and for future generations.
“As the conservation charity charged with its protection, we are heartened to hear that so many people support our work to protect one of Scotland’s treasures,” he said.
“Piecemeal, inappropriate development is without a doubt, our greatest challenge for the future of Culloden and the trust is seeking the support, expertise and input of Highland Council, Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Government and others to tackle this, and we will be beginning discussions with them soon.”
