Public to be consulted in bid to protect Culloden Battlefield for future generations
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The National Trust for Scotland is launching a public consultation which aims to ensure the long-term protection of Culloden Moor, site of Britain's last pitched battle in 1746.
The landscape has recently become the scene of another conflict with developers pushing forward plans which encroach on the site.
The heritage charity says current legal safeguards do not protect the area, and the fear is that unsympathetic development with plans for housing and businesses will ruin the historic landscape forever.
It is now inviting the community to get involved in the consultation which runs from tomorrow until August 31.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, operations manager for the battlefield and visitor centre, said: “Culloden is a place that many people are passionate about for its important place in Scotland’s story.
"We want to hear people’s views on their hopes for Culloden’s future and how this site should be protected and presented for future generations.
“The reality is that there are pressures for land in this area and what we want to achieve is a planned and positive approach that protects Culloden and what it represents to so many people.
“We know what getting this wrong means – we just need to look at Bannockburn to see how a piecemeal approach to planning can harm our important historical sites.
"That’s why we are acting now and seeking the input and expertise from everyone who feels a connection with Culloden and its story.”
The Culloden 300 consultation will include an exhibition stationed at Leanach Cottage on the battlefield site for anyone interested in finding out more. There will also be town-house style events running in June and July.
People can also fill in a short survey on www.culloden300.org.uk.
The draft document will be produced in September followed by one final consultation with the final vision being published in December.
