The huge membership of the charity is being asked to act.
Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is asking its 330,000 plus members and the public to support its campaign to protect one of the last remnants of the Bannockburn Battlefield in Stirling.
Last week, Stirling Council recommended approval for a development proposal for a horse harness-racing track and its associated buildings and car parking, on fields close to the Battle of Bannockburn Centre and the listed monuments designed to commemorate the battle.
The National Trust for Scotland is shocked and dismayed by this decision and has written to Scottish Ministers asking for them to urgently call in the proposal which, if permitted, would destroy one of the last remaining areas of open landscape on which the historic battle took place in 1314.
The charity is also asking for its members and the public to support this call by writing to Scottish Ministers.
Director of conservation and policy, Stuart Brooks, said: “We believe Scotland thinks more of its heritage than this, and we need as many people as possible to stand with us to defend this special place now and for the future.
“The fields in question are on the national Inventory of Historic Battlefields and although they don’t fall within the land owned and cared for by the Trust, they are within the known boundaries of the 1314 conflict. They are integral to the experience of visitors who come from near and far to learn about this special aspect of Scotland’s heritage. These fields are not just fields, but a living testament to the historical and cultural significance of the Battle of Bannockburn.”
The National Trust for Scotland has also highlighted a number of concerns about the
procedure followed in this case.
“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 just 26 August to make their decision. Please help us ensure that they understand how strongly the public feel about protecting this important place.”
