Charity calls on public to object to plans for horse track on historic battle site

A conservation charity is calling on supporters to help “defend” part the Battle of Bannockburn site from plans to build a horse racing track.

Stirling Council granted permission for a horse harness-racing track and parking for 200 cars to be created on green fields a short distance from the Battle of Bannockburn Centre last week.

While the site is included in the Inventory of Historic Battlefields, it is not owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) which has a visitor centre and listed monuments nearby.

However, the conservation charity has warned that the development will sit within the known boundaries of the 1314 conflict and argued that the site is integral to the experience of visitors.

They are calling on their 330,000 members and the public to lobby Scottish Government ministers to “call in” the decision.

If successful, the move would give ministers – and not the council – the final say on the planning application.

During the famous battle in 1314, King of Scotland Robert the Bruce defeated English troops led by King Edward II, giving the site historic significance.

Stuart Brooks, director of conservation and policy at NTS said: “We need as many people as possible to stand with us to defend this special place now and for the future.

“These fields are not just fields, but a living testament to the historical and cultural significance of the Battle of Bannockburn.

“If they are developed, we will not just lose a part of our history, but also a connection from the present to the past.

“The loss will be intolerable and we will be left with a void in our heritage and a stain on our nation’s reputation.

“If you agree that this important site of Scottish history should be protected from this damaging proposal, we are asking you to please write to Scottish Ministers explaining why you think the battlefield is important, why this development is so damaging, its inappropriateness for the location and finally, asking that the decision is called in as a matter of urgency.

“Time is ticking on this – Scottish Ministers have until August 26 to make their decision. Please help us ensure that they understand how strongly the public feel about protecting this important place.”

Stirling Council said the decision to grant permission for the development was “carefully considered”.

“The panel carefully considered all information relating to the planning application in making its decision”, a spokesperson said.

“As the Scottish Government has already issued a direction in respect of this application, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We understand that Stirling Council is minded to approve the proposal for the trotting track.

“The application will be notified to ministers who will decide whether or not to call it in for their own determination.”