Scotland’s most important battlefields are continuing to be officially identified, after Historic Scotland announced the second of its three batches for inclusion in “The Inventory of Historic Battlefields”.The project has now recorded nearly 30 of the nation’s most important battle sites, including Culloden and Bannockburn.
To be included in the Inventory, the battlefield must be of national importance for the contribution they make to Scotland’s archaeology and history.
The eleven new sites identified include battles fought in Aberdeenshire, Fife, Highlands, Midlothian and South Lanarkshire.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “It is crucial that we ensure our battlefields are protected, for the contribution they have made to our history and heritage, and to future generations.
“Our battle sites are a popular attraction for tourists from all over the world, and represent a huge educational resource. They allow us to understand the evolution of Scotland, through appreciation of key historical figures and their role in shaping our culture.”
Ms. Hyslop said a new heritage centre would be completed in 2014 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.
“This was one of the most significant battles fought on British soil, between Robert the Bruce and Edward II. Its enduring significance shows the legacy of such pivotal battles, and the importance attached to them.”
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| Culloden Field |
The Inventory also takes account of physical remains and landscape context, and the battle site is then recorded on a modern map.
** Each inventory report describes the battlefield and the reasons for its inclusion. These include a summary of the battle and its historical context, and a brief indication of its importance in relation to historical association, physical remains, and archaeological potential. The inventory map indicates the extent of the battlefield, defining the overall area of interest. It includes the area where the main elements of the battle are believed to have taken place, where associated physical remains and archaeological evidence occur or may be expected, and where additional landscape components such as strategic viewpoints may lie.
** Each inventory report describes the battlefield and the reasons for its inclusion. These include a summary of the battle and its historical context, and a brief indication of its importance in relation to historical association, physical remains, and archaeological potential. The inventory map indicates the extent of the battlefield, defining the overall area of interest. It includes the area where the main elements of the battle are believed to have taken place, where associated physical remains and archaeological evidence occur or may be expected, and where additional landscape components such as strategic viewpoints may lie.
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| Culloden |
Once completed, the resource will allow local planning authorities and other public bodies to take account of their presence, and to ensure any proposed changes minimise adverse impacts and avoid unnecessary damage.
The Inventory will also emphasize the positive contribution that battlefields can make to the environment.
A consultation on the third and final core of the inventory will run from around the end of March until the end of May.
Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
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