Our battle for Bannockburn

A defining landmark at risk

For generations, Bannockburn has been revered as the symbol of Scotland’s resistance to historic subjugation and the emergence of national identity. However, over the past century, much of the surrounding land has been lost to urban expansion. Now, two new development proposals are awaiting a decision from Scottish Ministers. If either is approved, it would deal a devastating blow to the remaining battlefield.

Earlier this year, Stirling Council rejected an application to build a golf driving range (with a café, community space and parking), on the grounds that it would damage the historic integrity of Bannockburn. The developer appealed to Scottish Ministers and has been assigned a reporter, but is currently paused.

In a surprising and contradictory move, Stirling Council later approved the construction of a trotting track, car park and buildings in a field adjacent to the site of the earlier proposal. This would include a licensed bar and other amenities in direct view from the commemorative Rotunda orientation point. Thankfully, the Scottish Government has called in this decision, concerned about its impact on the battlefield’s cultural and national significance.

If either of these plans were to move forward, they would irreparably alter the landscape and make it more difficult for our visitors to put themselves into the minds of those soldiers who took part in the battle over 700 years ago. It would fundamentally disrupt the main way in which our visitors are encouraged to understand how King Robert used the local geography to achieve victory here in 1314, a victory that had an enormous impact on how both Scotland and the UK have developed to the present day.

What we’re doing to protect Bannockburn

Now’s the day, and now’s the hour

We’ve engaged a skilled landscape architect to provide additional evidence demonstrating the harmful effects of these developments. This evidence, alongside detailed reports, will be submitted to Scottish Ministers to highlight the cultural damage these projects would inflict.

Preserving the open landscape of Bannockburn is essential for future generations to experience and understand the battlefield as it was in 1314. The site offers a tangible connection to our past, making history come alive in a way that cannot be replicated, and is of vital importance to how we share the story of the battle with our visitors.

While we’re still unclear what process will be used to consider evidence, we are preparing for every scenario, including the potential need for a costly Public Local Inquiry.

Why this matters

Allowing any development on this site would not only erase an important part of our heritage, but it would also rob future generations of the chance to understand Scotland’s past in a meaningful way. Experts, including archaeologist and TV presenter Tony Pollard, believe the part of the battlefield identified for the development is where the Scottish army positioned itself on the first day of battle. It’s also where Robert the Bruce famously defeated Henry de Bohun in single combat, and where he strategically had pits dug to funnel the English forces into his planned attack on 24 June. Losing this historically significant area is one of the greatest risks posed by the proposed trotting track.

Bannockburn is not just a local landmark; it’s a national symbol of Scotland’s resilience, identity and heritage. By safeguarding this site, we ensure that people from around the world can continue to visit and appreciate its significance.

Will you help us protect Bannockburn today, so we can continue to share Scotland’s story with future generations?