Historic Scotland has recently opened a consultation with the public as it moves to increase the number of recognised historic battlefield sites around Scotland. Under plans drawn up areas such as the site of the battle of Loudon Hill, One of Robert the Bruce’s early victories, Mary Queen of Scots defeat at Langside and the ‘Battle of the Shirts’ a famous skirmish between Clan Donald and Clan Fraser will all be protected as sites of historical significance.
Historic Scotland already looks after well knows sites such as Culloden and Bannockburn. Culloden already has a magnificent and award winning visitor centre and plans are underway for a new centre at Bannockburn. During this ‘Year of Creative Scotland’ in 2012 the sites chosen will be properly investigated for any physical remains or significant archeology and also deeper consideration will be given to any potential planning applications which may impact on these areas.
To be added to Historic Scotland’s current list of 28 battle sites the new ones will have to demonstrate that they are of extreme historical and cultural significance. The consultation will go online for public comment on Friday May 18th until June 30th, at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/battlefieldconsultation .
The successful candidates for the Inventory will be announced later this year.
The battlefields under consideration in the consultation are:
- East Ayrshire
Loudoun Hill (1307)
- East Lothian
Dunbar I (1296)
- Glasgow City / East Renfrewshire
Langside (1568)
The battle of Langside includes a small area of East Renfrewshire, although the majority is in
Glasgow City.
- Highland
Blar na Léine (1544)
Glenlivet (1594)
Inverlochy I (1431)
- Midlothian
Roslin (1303)
- Perth and Kinross
Dunkeld (1689)
Tippermuir (1644)
- Scottish Borders
Melrose (1526)
- Stirling
Sauchieburn (1488)