Photo credit, above: Per-Ragnar Jatko
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 22, 2021. . . Press and Journal
Controversial plans to build £1 million holiday village on historic Culloden Moor rejected
Developers had hoped to convert an equestrian centre at the site into a leisure facility with 13 lodges, a cafe, shop, and restaurant. The scheme, submitted by Inverness Paving Ltd, had twice been rejected by Highland Council but an appeal was lodged with the government.
A reporter was appointed to assess the case had recommended giving the scheme approval subject to conditions. Ministers have overruled his decision saying the impact on the battlefield and surrounding protected woodland would be detrimental.
Breaking news:
Planning application 20/04611/FUL, the third at Culchunaig, rejected today, February 3, 2021, by Highland Council. A pivotal part of Culloden Battlefield, outside the ownership of the NTS property, yet where fierce hand to hand fighting took place. Where soldiers of both sides fought and died.
HRH Prince Charles Edward Stewart took up a position just to the top right of the building shown in the picture during the battle.
A great day for conservation of Culloden!
January 28, 2021 . . . Inverness Courier
Controversial plans for luxury home at Culloden Battlefield set to be given go-ahead despite objections from National Trust for Scotland
Controversial plans to convert a steading at Culloden Battlefield into a family home are being recommended for approval – despite strong objections from a leading conservation charity. A proposed development at Culchunaig Steading was previously rejected by Scottish ministers who overturned Highland Council’s decision to approve it.
Highland councillors are again being recommended to approve a revised plan despite opposition from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Council officials will tell next week’s south planning applications committee meeting that the proposal is an "extremely sympathetic and sensitive conversion of a historical building".
However, the NTS – which has performed a U-turn in lodging an objection – now believes ongoing research shows the area could have been the location of decisive action during the battle fought between Jacobite and government forces in April 1746.
It also raises concerns that the battlefield is coming under ever-increasing pressure from cumulative development, representing unacceptable "creeping suburbanisation".
October 6, 2020 . . . Press and Journal
Fury as Culloden holiday village up for approval – after previous rejection
Controversial proposals for a holiday village near Culloden Moor are to be recommended for approval by Highland Council, despite strong opposition.
Members of the south planning committee are to be asked to back the development, which has attracted outrage from those opposed to developments on the historic battle site.
Inverness Paving wants to build a four-star, £1 million holiday village with 13 lodges, a 100-seat restaurant and cafe and shop at the former TreeTops riding centre in Faebuie, a mile-and-a-half from the battlefield.
September 16, 2020 . . . Inverness Courier
War of words at Culloden continues
A bitter war of words is continuing over controversial plans for a holiday village at Culloden.
Inverness Paving wants to convert the former Treetops Stables at Faebuie, Culloden Moor, into a leisure destination comprising 13 new holiday lodges, an on-site café/retail facility and a new restaurant.
Previous plans were rejected by Highland Council officials last year because of the impact on the surrounding woodland and natural environment.
A resubmitted application has now attracted hundreds of objections including a response from the Group to Stop Development at Culloden (GSDC).
It claims research by a historian shows the proposed development is actually on Culloden battlefield rather than near it.
It maintains the battlefield site, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, represents less than a half of the battlefield.
September 3, 2020 . . . Inverness Courier
Battle intensifies over proposed holiday development near Culloden Battlefield
A battle over controversial plans for a holiday village near Culloden Battlefield has intensified.
Inverness Paving wants to convert the former Treetops Stables at Faebuie, Culloden Moor, into a leisure destination comprising 13 new holiday lodges, an on-site café/retail facility and a new restaurant.
Previous plans were rejected by council officials last year because of its impact on the surrounding woodland and natural environment. The bid also attracted 87 objections, mainly due to the sensitivity of the site.
July 23, 2020 . . . Press and Journal
Call for joint action to protect Culloden Battlefield against inappropriate development
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) says the integrity of the famous site is under threat from “piecemeal decision-making, unclear guidance and a lack of focused resource”.
It has urged “active, collaborative and future-focused management” to preserve the battlefield’s cultural landscape.
The NTS reveals the findings of its Culloden 300 consultation today, on the 275th anniversary of Charles Edward Stuart’s arrival in Scotland, starting the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
May 28, 2020 . . . Daily Record
Culloden 'faces new threat' from holiday park plan, warns National Trust
The National Trust for Scotland has warned of a renewed threat to build a holiday park upon a part of the historic Culloden Battlefield. The charity originally opposed the first attempted planning application back in May 2018 - which was eventually turned down by the Highland Council.
Now, they have warned that they will be opposing a re-submitted proposal, which is based upon the conversion of the Treetops equestrian centre at Febuie on Culloden Moor into a holiday, leisure and hospitality facilities.
General Manager for the Highlands & Islands, National Trust for Scotland, Clea Warner stated that they can can see nothing especially ‘new’ about this new submission, she said: "The Battle of Culloden ranged over a large area. We own a key part of the battlefield at Culloden but not the land on which the stables are built. Nevertheless, we’ve raised our voice in the past against developments that threatened the integrity of the wider historic battlefield.
May 22, 2020 . . . The Herald
Anger at new £1m plans for holiday village at Culloden
Heritage campaigners are up in arms over controversial plans to build a holiday resort next to one of the most important battlefields in Scottish history.
Under the plans submitted by developers Inverness Paving, a new four-star, £1 million holiday village with 13 lodges, a 100-seat restaurant and cafe and shop will be built.
March 5, 2020 . . . The Scotsman
Culloden: New home plan poses "irreparable scar" for historic battlefield
Highland Council has received an application for the proposed property at Muirfield Farm at Westhill, near Inverness.
It is the latest in a string of contentious applications for land that falls within the original battlefield boundary.
If built, the house will sit to the north-west of the area owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
(Note, click on map to right, see #9, location of Muirfield Farm)
February 22, 2020 . . . The Scotsman Culloden: Crunch meeting at battlefield looms amid plans for luxury home on 'national war grave'
Historians, planning experts and civil servants are due to gather at Culloden Battlefield at a crunch meeting which will help inform whether a luxury home can be built on what some have described as a "national war grave".
The Scottish Government's planning reporter will make a site visit to land at Culchunaig where plans have been lodged to turn a dilapidated farm steading into a family home complete with zen garden, hot tub and chill out zone.
The site sits just to the south of the boundary fence of the portion of the battlefield under the ownership of the National Trust of Scotland, which manages around a third of the area where the final encounter was staged between the Jacobites and British Army in 1746.
November 7, 2019 . . . BBC News
Unesco status 'would better protect' Battle of Culloden
NTS believes the Unesco designation would prevent housing developments encroaching on the site. The trust, which manages the battlefield, has been concerned about homes being constructed at the boundaries of its existing conservation area. Culloden's operations manager, Raoul Curtis-Machin, said the Unesco status would make it harder to build new properties at locations visible from the battlefield. The trust has already started researching how to secure a world heritage designation. Mr Curtis-Machin said: "Culloden was way more than just a battle.
"The ramifications and resonance after the Battle of Culloden were huge for Scotland and particularly Highland culture." He said a Unesco World Heritage designation would create a "buffer zone" and "stronger protection" of the landscape around the battlefield.
November 5, 2019 . . .The Scotsman
Culloden: Rejected holiday park plans for historic site revived once again
Plans have been revived to build a holiday park within the historic boundary of Culloden Battlefield.
An application to develop the Treetops Stables at Feabuie with 13 wooden cabin and a 100-seat restaurant, plus other leisure attractions, was rejected by planning officers at Highland Council in May.
It attracted objections around the world given a growing concern over development in the wider Culloden area.
The site sits around one kilometre north of the section of the battlefield owned by National Trust for Scotland but it falls within the historic boundary of the greater battlefield and the Culloden Muir Conservation Area.
October 5, 2019 . . . Press and Journal
Controversial Culloden Treetops holiday village plans resurface
A controversial holiday village and restaurant development near Culloden Battlefield is back on the cards – just months after being thrown out by Highland Council planners.
A £1million proposal for four-star holiday lodges and a 100-seat restaurant at TreeTops Stables, Faebuie, on Culloden Moor, was rejected in May by officials under delegated power after almost 100 objections were lodged.
November 5, 2019 . . . The Scotsman
Culloden: Scottish Government considers position on luxury home by battlefield
Plans to build a luxury home on the fringes of Culloden Battlefield are being reviewed by the Scottish Government. The application to convert a steading at Culchunaig to create a home, featuring a hot tub and zen garden, were approved by councillors in September.
The steading overlooks the part of the battlefield owned by National Trust of Scotland with claims the land on which it stands was significant action during the battle between Jacobites and the British Army in April 1746.
September 17 . . . The Scotsman
Luxury home plan for Culloden Battlefield approved by councillors
Councillor Andrew Jarvie (Conservative), of Inverness South ward, told the meeting: "The position of Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland is completely inadequate.
"They have taken into account only the national policy - there is no reference whatsoever to the Culloden Muir Conservation Area. They have completely missed out the policy for development in this area.
September 17 . . . Inverness Courier
Culloden home bid sparks anger
THE National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been slammed over not objecting to a large house to be built “quite literally over the graves of fallen clansmen” at Culloden.
That is after a planning application was lodged to turn an old barn at Culchunaig into a “sprawling, two storey, large, modern luxury villa with a metal seamed roof.”
The application goes before Highland Council’s south planning applications committee today.
Press and Journal . . . September 13, 2019
Row brews over steading conversion on Culloden Moor
The Culchuinaig, Westhill, is within both the Culloden Moor Conservation Area and the Inventory of Historic Battlefields area. Applicant Mark Hornby said he grew up in the area, currently lives there and wants to convert the steading into a home for his family. He said: “We had planning consent four years ago and that has just expired, so this is a renewal with some design alterations. We feel it’s a sympathetic conversion of an existing building with little or no impact on the surrounding environment.”
The proposals have sparked anger among groups endeavouring to protect areas involved in the battle of Culloden from creeping development.
The Historian’s Council on Culloden (HCC), formed in 2017 to research Culloden battle action which occurred on ground outside the current National Trust for Scotland (NTS) property, says the area contains far too much critical information and remains of the battle and its immediate aftermath to allow its destruction.
The Scotsman . . . September 13, 2019
Anger as luxury home on historic Culloden Battlefield backed by officials
Plans to build a luxury home within the historic boundary of Culloden Battlefield have been backed by officials with historians describing the development as a appalling intrusion of a national war grave.
Planners at Highland Council said the steading conversion at Culchunaig, which will feature a hot tub, zen garden, fire pit and gaming and chill out zone, could be built subject to conditions.
BBC News . . . August 21, 2019
Traditional plants tell Battle of Culloden story
Traditional Scottish plants are being used to tell the story of one the country's most famous battles. Heather, yarrow and willow are being planted on Culloden Battlefield near Inverness over the summer as part of a project exploring the significance of the plants. Some were used for medicinal purposes in the 18th century. And many of the plants would have had links with the clans that became embroiled in the 1746 battle.
Press and Journal . . . July 11, 2019
Auction sale of part of Culloden Woods sparks community fear over development
A stretch of woodland in Culloden less than a mile from the battlefield site is for sale by auction, sparking fears in local communities that the wood might be snapped up by developers. An 11-acre section of Culloden Woods around the Moray Park housing estate, is for sale by auction, due to go under the hammer at Future Auctions in Edinburgh on August 1.
The Scotsman . . . May 28, 2019
Heritage chiefs object to new home on 'sensitive' area of Culloden Battlefield
Article on the proposed house application at Tannach Farm, just a few metres south of the Visitor Centre at Culloden Battlefield. Historic Environment Scotland have objected. You can also, by writing to [email protected] citing planning reference number 19/00914/PIP. If you need some inspiration, have a look at the objection comments on file at the link below:
19/00914/PIP. Erection of house. Land 25M West Of Tannach Farmhouse Culloden Moor Inverness. https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do…
The Scotsman . . . May 10, 2019
Victory declared as Culloden holiday park plan is refused
The site sits around a mile north of visitor attraction managed by National Trust for Scotland but falls within the eastern edge of the greater battlefield and the Culloden Muir Conservation Area, which was drawn up in 2015 to protect the sensitive area.
More than 100 objections were lodged against the plans with a campaign against development in the historic landscape attracting support from around the world.
Highland Council planning officers have now refused the plans, primarily given the holiday park's impact on surrounding woodland and the natural environment.
The Scotsman . . . April 23, 2019
Radical plans emerge to buy up Culloden on “behalf of nation”
Radical plans have emerged to help guarantee the integrity of the battlefield, where the Jacobites were defeated by the British Army in 1746, given a recent planning case which has exposed the lack of protection for the historic site.
At present, only around one third of the battlefield falls under the care of National Trust for Scotland with the remaining two thirds held by a small number of private landowners.
Press and Journal . . . April 14, 2019
Flags and banners were raised over Culloden Moor at the weekend as hundreds came to pay their respects to those who fell on the battlefield.
Campaigners from the Group to Stop Development at Culloden (GSDC) were present, with activist Carolyn Seggie laying a wreath at the cairn. She said: “It was a memorable day, very emotional and a tremendous honour to lay the wreath.
Press and Journal . . . April 13, 2019
Growing calls for Culloden battlefield to be made world heritage site
As the 273rd anniversary of the Battle of Culloden approaches (editor's note: it's April 13), momentum is growing to seek Unesco world heritage site status for the battlefield.
The surrounding zone has been subject to encroachment by development in recent years, giving increasing concern to the charity which cares for the battlefield, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)
The organisation is now calling for all stakeholders such as the Highland Council, Historic Environment, Visit Scotland and other interested organisations to come together to push for world heritage status for the site, saying it meets Unesco requirements as having universal value.
Inverness Courier . . . April 3, 2019
Public to be consulted in bid to protect Culloden Battlefield for future generations
January 31, 2019. . . The Scotsman
Housebuilder under pressure over Culloden Moor development
A housebuilder who has developed land on Culloden Moor without permission is under pressure to reverse the works. Kirkwood Homes has built a sales and marketing cabin to support its controversial development of 16 homes at Viewhill Farm on the north east fringe of Culloden Battlefield. It applied for retrospective planning permission for the cabin and car park, which sit in the Culloden Muir Conservation Area, but that application was turned down last December.
January 4, 2019 . . . BBC News
New status awarded to Culloden Battlefield centre
The National Trust for Scotland has secured museum accreditation status for its Culloden Battlefield centre.
The designation from Museums Galleries Scotland means the centre can now make claim to any archaeological discoveries found on the site near Inverness.
Previously, any archaeological finds on the battlefield were managed by Highland Council.
November 21, 2018 . . . Property Week
Battle of Culloden sparks new war over public rights on planning appeals
Three miles from the sleepy Scottish town of Culloden lies an empty field where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place. This year it was the site of a very different battle, one that could have far-reaching implications for planning.
Just over six months ago, Culloden locals lost their fight with developers over permission to build 16 homes on the historic battlefield site. The local council had refused to grant the developer planning permission, but the Scottish government overturned this decision after the developer appealed.
October 16, 2018 . . . Inverness Courier
Protestors continue fight against Culloden housing project
More than 100 people have marched on Culloden Battlefield in the latest bid to stop a controversial development.
The campaign was held in protest against 16 new houses which are being built on the site. The march was organised by the campaign group Stop Development at Culloden (GSDC).
After the protest, local councillor Ken Gowans blasted Historic Environment Scotland for failing to protect the site.
October 15, 2018 . . . Global Heritage
Culloden Moor: Building Site or Battleground?
Influence from a foundation such as UNESCO could have provided possible aid to the current issues facing the heritage and history of Culloden Battlefield, and overturned any further planning permissions in the future.This approval, giving allowance for residences to be built just half a mile from the battlefield, alongside still being held within the actual conservation area, simply highlights the presence of higher authority public services with regard to the heritage sector, and although it will aid with the increase in visitors it comes at the cost of affecting the nature, history and authenticity of the site itself.
October 15. . . The Orkney News
” The seeds of rebellion will be plucked for ever” – Why Culloden Matters
The construction by Kirkwood Homes was granted planning permission by Highland Council. The development includes all the usual infrastructure you would expect – roads, lighting, drainage and fibre broadband.
Now maybe you think, so what, 16 luxury homes where a battle took place over 273 years ago, what does that matter?
It matters to those who have ancestors who were slaughtered on that field (on both sides). People still visit the site who are descendants of those who died – just as anyone would visit a memorial garden or cemetery to the two world wars.
October 15, 2018 . . . Press and Journal
Protesters gather in bid to halt Culloden Battlefield home development
Protesters gathered at the site of a controversial housing development near Culloden Battlefield at the weekend in their latest attempt to halt the project.Work on the 16 homes at Viewhill began last month.
But campaign group Stop Development at Culloden (GSDC) are not prepared to give up on their five-year battle against the development, and gathered on Saturday to once again make their feelings known.
October 4, 2018 . . .
Scottish Government
has called in the Treetops Stables, change of use to Holiday Park!
"Scottish Ministers may intervene in determining a planning proposal, whether an application or an appeal, where it is felt there is a national interest in doing so. We make all correspondence between ourselves, planning authorities and Historic Environment Scotland relating to each case's progress available to the public.
September 30, 2018 . . . The Guardian
Second battle of Culloden rages as locals clash with developers
Professor Sir Tom Devine, one of Scotland’s foremost historians, has now added his voice to those of the protesters in urging the government to halt the development. This weekend he said: “The Battle of Culloden spread into the surrounding fields as English dragoons chased the remnants of the Highland army and cut them down. Their bones are scattered all around the periphery, which makes this, too, part of the Culloden war grave.
September 28, 2018 . . .Inverness Courier
Rally over Culloden Battlefield Homes
Kirkwood Homes has started building 16 homes at Viewhill Farm after securing design approval in May.
Although the properties are being built on the ‘inventory boundary’ – a buffer zone drawn up by Highland Council to protect the actual battlefield – protestors claim the new homes might be built over the bodies of Highlanders who died in the 1746 clash.
Ahead of construction, archaeological work including photographic recordings and metal detecting, was undertaken by a consultant archaeologist, who was appointed by the developer. Protest leader George Kempick from the Group To Stop The Development at Culloden is convinced an archaeological check “done by just one person” could not be thorough enough.
September 25, 2018 . . .
New protest at Culloden as diggers break ground
Protestors will gather at the site of a new housing development near Culloden Battlefield as diggers break ground on the land. Work has begun at Viewhill Farm to build 16 new homes following a four-year campaign to halt the work.
July 31, 2018 . . . The Scotsman
Scotland ‘risks irrecoverable loss of heritage’ to developers
National Trust for Scotland has ramped up its calls for better protection of Scotland’s heritage as a new Planning Bill gathers pace at Holyrood. Chief executive Simon Skinner, chief executive of NTS, claimed the new legislation signalled a “point of no return” for the conservation of historic sites such as Culloden Battlefield. He questioned whether existing designations had any weight in protecting sensitive sites from development.
July 31, 2018 . . . The Times
We must battle to protect heritage from developers
Three months ago I wrote in this newspaper about our fears for one of Scotland’s most important landmarks: Culloden. Despite the years being kind to the battlefield, preserving it much as it was nearly 300 years ago, events this year appear certain to lead to its degradation.At the time, I argued the initial plan to build a dozen homes on nearby Viewhill Farm was not a fatal blow in itself — rather, it would set a precedent for further development. Sadly, that has proven to be the case.
June 8, 2018 . .The National Trust for Scotland
Concerns over new threat to Culloden Conservation Zone
“This will be the first big test of the council’s initiative to try and protect what remains of historic battlefield and its setting through a conservation zone.
“The zone could not be applied retrospectively to the Viewhill housing development but we hope that it will prevent further unsympathetic encroachment on this pivotal site for Scotland’s story.
“Our great concern about Viewhill is that it would set a precedent that developers could exploit, leading to the absolute loss over time of an historic landscape.
If conservation zone status does not prevent this development, it confirms our opinion that Scotland’s planning laws must be completely overhauled if we are to have a fair chance of protecting places that our vital to our heritage and in themselves intrinsic to our tourism economy.”
May 28, 2018 . . . The Scotsman
Heritage chiefs ‘do not object’ to holiday park at Culloden
Historic Environment Scotland, in its official response to the proposals, said the battle was one of the most important in the history of the British isles with the battlefield holding a “particular emotional connection for many within Scotland and with Scottish connections.”
However, HES said it won’t be objecting to the holiday park proposals given the site was “not central to the events of the battle itself and primarily forms a backdrop to the battlefield landscape.”
May 17, 2018 . . . The Scotsman
Final approval given for homes on edge of Culloden Battlefield
. . . Developers will move ahead with the construction of the properties after councillors voted through the design of the houses, which sit in a conservation area. The contentious scheme at Viewhill Farm, which sits to the north east of the core battlefield area and visitor centre, was given planning permission by the Scottish Government planning reporter back in 2014.
Express, May 20, 2018
The Fight is on to Save Scotland’s Battlefields
The Times, April 16, 2018
Why Culloden Battlefield is Worth Fighting For!
The Scotsman . . . April 16, 2018
In pictures: 1,000 people attend Culloden anniversary
The event marked the 272nd anniversary of the last pitched battle fought on British soil
The Times, April 16, 2018
Why Culloden Battlefield is Worth Fighting For!
National Trust for Scotland . . .April 11, 2018
Battle for Culloden’s future begins, says top academic
. . . “Culloden had a huge, long-term impact on Scottish history; setting in train a series of events that led to the overthrowing of the clan system and the entire social structure on which the country was built. It’s a special place with a wild landscape and the events that took place here on 16 April 1746 were a human epic.
“But this isn’t only about sentiment – historic sites such as Culloden have an incredibly important role to play in bringing society together and delivering economic growth. The ground also still has a lot to teach us about the past: archaeology is advancing year by year and what we can learn from what lies beneath the soil is too. Destroying a landscape like Culloden is akin to burning an archive.”
Sunday Post . . . April 10, 2018
Warning Culloden homes plan will lead to historic site’s ‘gradual degradation’
Speaking ahead of the anniversary of the battle of Culloden, Professor Christopher Duffy believes the plans will encourage further development in the area.
Professor Duffy, who taught military history at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, will host a talk at the site on Thursday for the National Trust for Scotland.
He said: “It’s very rare to find a battlefield that is so similar to when the fighting actually took place. Culloden is remarkable in that the site is still 90% intact from 272 years ago.
“However, these homes are going to result in highly-cluttered views and destroy the atmosphere surrounding the battlefield.
“If we’re not careful, we could end up with another instance of what the Americans call ‘Central Park’ syndrome – a patch of green, surrounded by intrusive development.”
The Scotsman . . . April 9, 2018
Are We Going to Lose Culloden?
A historian is due in the Highlands this week to discuss whether the future of Culloden Battlefield is at risk. Dr Christopher Duffy will deliver his talk - Are we going to lose Culloden? - at the Battlefield Centre near Inverness on Thursday.
Inverness Courier . . . April 6, 2018
More needed to safeguard Culloden site
SOMETHING "more solid" than demonstrations and petitions is needed if Culloden battlefield is to be safeguarded against "unimaginable" development, a leading academic will argue at a commemoration event.
Professor Christopher Duffy will raise the issue of development near the historic site when he appears at a series of events centred around the latest anniversary of the battle.
Press and Journal . . . March 15, 2018
Culloden homes scheme “suspended” by council
The controversial decision to approve a new housing development near Culloden Battlefield has been suspended, it has emerged.Members of Highland Council’s South Planning Committee gave Kirkwood Homes the nod to start work on 16 properties with 5-3 vote at Tuesday’s meeting. But in extraordinary scenes straight after the vote, one member told the Press and Journal how he and a colleague had accidentally voted the wrong way.
And yesterday, the council suspended approval – and a final decision might not be made until May. Developer Kirkwood Homes said that i t would consult a QC as “the whole situation surrounding the design element has become a circus”.
Inverness South Councillor Andrew Jarvie successfully challenged the result after learning of the mistaken voting by his fellow members. A Notice of Amendment was issued suspending the decision after Mr Jarvie collected enough support from fellow councillors. The application will now be heard by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee, likely in April or May.
BBC Highlands and Islands . . . March 14, 2018
'Mix-up' in vote on Culloden Battlefield homes
Conservative councillor Andrew Jarvie has secured a motion of amendment to have the decision reviewed.The councillor led an attempt at Tuesday's committee meeting to turn down Kirkwood Homes' application for its project at Viewhill, near Inverness. He voted to refuse permission.
Mr Jarvie has been successful in getting the signatures he needs to his motion from fellow councillors.
The matter will be put before a meeting of Highland Council's environment, development and infrastructure committee.
Press and Journal . . . March 14, 2018
‘Oops… we didn’t mean to approve Culloden homes’
The scheme for 16 houses near Culloden Battlefield, already the target of a petition and protests, could now be challenged.
Highland Council confirmed last night that the vote will stand pending a possible appeal but for now it remains binding.
The drama unfolded at the South Planning Committee in Inverness yesterday, where councillors had the choice of allowing the work to go ahead or sending the developer away to carry out a redesign.
Inverness South councillor Andrew Jarvie proposed a motion for the redesign and was supported by Ron MacWilliam.
Committee chairman Jimmy Gray then proposed an amendment that would pass the application, backed by vice chairwoman Carolyn Caddick.
But there was apparent confusion between the motion and amendment, and the vote passed five to three.
One councillor, who did not want to be named, said: “I voted the wrong way and I believe that one other councillor voted the wrong way.
“I know of two other councillors who were not entitled to vote – but if they had been permitted then they would also have voted the wrong way.
“It has been a mix-up as far as democratic desire goes and it was officially the wrong decision, so it definitely needs to be looked at.
“I believe there could well have been enough votes to alter the decision in terms of Andrew Jarvie’s motion and, yes, that would be to reject the design.
The Scotsman. . . March 14, 2018
Culloden homes in fresh hearing bid after vote “mistake”
The application was voted through - although two SNP councillors now believe they voted the wrong way after a mix up at committee. Councillor Andrew Jarvie (Conservative) said he had until 5pm on Friday to gather in enough support to send the application to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure committee for a new hearing. This would put a halt to any work at the site until the matter was looked at again. Councillor Jarvie said: “I am bitterly, bitterly disappointed that an error led to the wrong outcome.
The Scotsman . . . March 12, 2018
Final bid to stop housing development at Culloden battlefield
Campaigners are making a last-ditch effort to prevent the building of homes at the Culloden battlefield site. The Historians Committee On Culloden is calling on the Scottish Government to intervene following claims officials approved planning permission after being given incorrect information. A plan to build homes in the area was rejected in 2014 by Highland councillors, only to then be given permission by a Scottish Government reporter.
The Herald . . . March 11, 2018
Final battle over Culloden housing plan
CAMPAIGNERS are making a last-ditch effort to prevent the building of homes at the Culloden battlefield site which they say would cause “catastrophic and irrevocable damage”. The Historians Committee On Culloden is calling on the Scottish Government to have “moral courage” and intervene, amid claims officials approved planning permission after being given incorrect information.
Inverness Courier . . .March 10, 2018
New rallying cry against battlefield homes plan
PLANS are brewing for another public protest outside Highland Council headquarters in opposition to a controversial 16-home housing development close to Culloden Battlefield.
Moves are afoot to stage the event on Tuesday when councillors are recommended to approve the design of the houses being built by Aberdeen-shire-based Kirkwood Homes on the historic site.
Press and Journal, March 10, 2018
Campaigners to ‘chain themselves to diggers’ if Culloden homes plan get go ahead
Campaigners have pledged to “chain themselves to diggers” if controversial plans for new homes next to Culloden Battlefield get the go ahead next week.
A fresh report from planners recommending approval for the latest proposals will go before the south planning committee on Tuesday.
Inverness Courier. . . February 4, 2018
Developer 'extremely disappointed' by deferral of Culloden housing plans
THE battle may have been won – but the war continues.
Protestors campaigning against building 16 houses a stone’s throw from Culloden Battlefield were given an 11th hour reprieve on Tuesday, thanks to Highland councillors, and were back out in force yesterday – this time at Holyrood.
MFR Radio . . . February 1, 2018
Culloden Campaigners Take the Fight to Holyrood to Challenge Development
Campaigners against a Culloden housing development will aim to gain support from the Scottish Government.
Press and Journal . . . January 31, 2018
Protesters delight as councillors defer controversial Culloden homes
Members of the campaign organisation Stop Development at Culloden Group said afterwards that they will hold a protest this week at Holyrood in the hope that the Scottish Government might be able to intervene.
Inverness Courier . . .January 30, 2018,
Decision deferred on Culloden housing plans
PROTESTORS campaigning against building 16-houses a stone’s throw from Culloden Battlefield have been given an 11th hour reprieve. Highland Council deferred planning permission on the proposal today, calling on developers Kirkwood Homes to come up with a more sensitive design for the homes, given their proximity to the historic site.
BBC News . . .January 30, 2018
Decision on Culloden Battlefield row homes deferred
Councillors have deferred making a decision on a housing development opposed by campaigners concerned about its impact on Culloden Battlefield.
Inverness Courier. . . January 27, 2018
Battle over Culloden Homes Hits the Streets
Members of the Group to Stop Development at Culloden (GSDC) plan to gather at 9.30am outside and display their 72,000 name petition to the media and councillors. Campaigners against the development, Cairnfields at Viewhill, have been intensifying their fight with a leafleting campaign throughout Inverness.
Press and Journal . . . January 25, 2018
Protesters Gather 72,000 Signatures Against Development near Culloden
Activists against a Culloden Battlefield housing development vowed to stage a protest when they deliver a 72,000 signature petition at Highland Council next week.
January 12, 2018 . . . Press and Journal
Public Urged to Lodge Objections to Four Star Holiday Village Plans near Culloden Battlefield
Developers are aiming to transform the former Treetops Riding Centre at Balloch into a visitor destination featuring 14 “high-quality” holiday lodges, a 100-seat restaurant, shop and cafe.
The National . . . January 9, 2018
Chan eil làrach cùis-mhulaid na àite freagarrach airson taighean leòmach a thogail
"A tragic site is not a suitable place to build luxurious houses"
The National, December 28, 2017
Culloden homes plan will now be debated in public
CAMPAIGNERS trying to stop a housing development from going ahead on the site of the Battle of Culloden have won the right for the case to be heard in public.
Fans of television hit Outlander and the author of the books on which it is based, Diana Gabaldon, are among tens of thousands of objectors to the proposals.
The plans for 16 homes at Viewhill – included in the official designation of Culloden Battlefield – will be debated in public after a successful move by local councillors.
Press and Journal . . . December 27, 2017
Culloden homes protesters welcome move for plans to be debated in public
. . . "But such has been the controversy, local councillors Ken Gowans, Carolyn Caddick and Andrew Jarvie have successfully had the application placed on the agenda for the south planning committee, allowing it to be debated in public. George Kempik, founder of the campaign organisation the Stop Development at Culloden Group, said: “This is the right thing to do."
Inverness Courier. . . December 27, 2017
Battle over Culloden homes will be fought in public
CONTROVERSIAL plans for 16 homes beside Culloden Battlefield will be debated in public after a successful move by councillors..."Given the sensitivity of the application, in terms of its location, we felt it only right that it should be determined by the committee and heard in public rather than behind closed doors."
The National. . . December 13, 2017
Developers face fresh objections to Culloden housing plans despite Scottish Government approval
. . .In its submission to the council, (The NTS) states: “The primary significance of Culloden is the tremendous emotion that both the name and the events surrounding the battle arouse.
“For many Scots and descendants of the Scottish and Highland diaspora, the site represents a part of their cultural identity and is of spiritual significance to them. This is reflected in the fact that the property is seen as a memorial and site of pilgrimage.
The tangible aspects of the property, the battlefield, the landscape, monuments and structures, provide visitors with a setting for a meaningful connection with these events and contribute to the site’s evocative sense of place. The property is a crucial location to explore the history of the Jacobite rising, the events of the battle and its national and international repercussions.
“Furthermore, as a site of such outstanding historic and cultural significance, Culloden provides an excellent opportunity to explore the nature of identity, conflict and leadership within our world."
The Scotsman . . . December 13, 2017
Archaeologists warn of Culloden relics at housing site
In a written response to planners, Ms Cameron said: “This area is sensitive due to its location partly within the inventoried Battlefield of Culloden and although it has been previously developed, it still has the potential to contained buried information relating to the battle and its aftermath.”
BBC News: December 11, 2017
Protest against planned homes near Culloden Battlefield
A protest has been held to show opposition to the development of land associated with the Battle of Culloden.
Sunday Post . . . December 10, 2017
Tartan protesters rally against housing plan at Culloden site
Daily Record . . . December 10, 2017
Jacobite uprising as kilted protesters slam plan to build houses on Culloden 'war graves'
STV.TV News . . . December 9, 2017
Protestors fight plan to build houses at Culloden
Protesters have gathered at one of Scotland's most historic landmarks to demonstrate against plans to build houses nearby.
The Herald . . . December 5, 2017
Call for Archaeological Investigation of Culloden Moor Homes Site
AN archaeological investigation should be carried out at a disused farm on the Battle of Culloden Battlefield site before new homes are built there, the National Trust for Scotland says. The charity believes probing the top layers of Viewfield could unearth debris scattered by soldiers who fought there.
A spokesman for the trust, which manages and owns the battlefield, said the Jacobite left flank could clearly be seen from the proposed housing site, adding that the trust “of course remained unhappy” about the decision to grant permission to build 16 homes in the area.
The Scotsman . . . December 5, 2017
Conservationists move to block homes at Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland is calling for an archaeological investigation at a disused farm on Culloden battlefield before 16 homes are built. The charity believes investigating the top layers of Viewhill could unearth debris scattered by soldiers who fought and died there.
Press and Journal . . . December 2, 2017
Protest March to be Staged Against Culloden Development
"Following a global outcry, supported by Outlander author Diana Gabaldon, a new designated Protection Area enlarged the protected zone for the Culloden Battlefield area, but did not include Viewhill."
November 30, 2017 . . . The Scotsman:
Protest March at Culloden Battlefield against housing plan
Protestors will gather at Culloden to demonstrate against plans to build 16 news homes close to the core site of the 1746 battle.
Plans by Kirkwood Homes to build houses at Viewhill Farm, which sits around 400+ yards north of the main battleground, have been met with resistance.
November 17. 2017 . . . Inverness Courier:
Date set for Culloden housing protest
CAMPAIGNERS hoping to persuade developers to abandon plans for 16 homes on the boundary of Culloden battlefield are staging a protest at the site next month.
The Facebook group called Stop the Development at Culloden is encouraging members and supporters to turn up at the battlefield and march to the housing site at Viewhill Farm, NOW being advertised as Cairnfields, wearing traditional Highland dress.
November 13, 2017. . . Press and Journal:
Last-minute bid in battle to save Culloden site
Campaigners against a controversial 16-home project, yards from the site of the Battle of Culloden, have made a last-minute plea to the landowner not to sell the property to a housing developer.
November 12, 2017 . . . The Sunday Times:
Culloden residents battle the bulldozer
It was the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. Now, 270 years later, Culloden is the scene for more conflict as residents mount a last-ditch effort to prevent land that is close to the battleground from being bulldozed for luxury homes.
November 4, 2017 . . . Inverness Courier:
Culloden Battlefield Housing Battle Back On?
. . . He said: “I am sure a lot of people see houses on that site as deeply disrespectful. Culloden Battlefield and that greater battlefield area is a very significant piece of land. All we are going to try to do is appeal to their moral compass.
“There will be a lot of very upset people if those homes are built. For all we know we could be building houses on a grave.”
November 3, 2017 - Inverness Courier: Ready for Battle
- Culloden Site in Process of Being Sold to New Developer
- Councillor Calls for Rethink over Plans for 16 Homes
- Campaign Group Threatens to take Radical Action
November 3, 2017 - The Scotsman: Fresh Battle Lines Drawn Over New Culloden Housing Plan
November 4, 2017 . . . Press and Journal
Plans for estate near historic battlefield back on track.
A fresh protest has been launched against plans for a 16-home estate near Culloden Battlefield.
November 3, 2017 - The Scotsman: Fresh Battle Lines Drawn Over New Culloden Housing Plan
November 2, 2017 - BBC News Highlands and Islands: New Move to Build Houses near Culloden
April 17, 2017 . . . Press and Journal
PICTURES: Commemorative service marks 271st anniversary of the Battle of Culloden
April 16, 2017. . . The Scotsman:
Culloden Moor, April 16 1746: “The worst place on earth”
Today marks the 271st anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle on British soil, which brought an end to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s doomed bid to return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
April 3, 2017. . . Press and Journal: Weekend of events at Culloden to mark joint anniversaries
Organisers have promised a spectacular series of events at Culloden Battlefield this month to mark the joint anniversaries of the conflict and 80 years of National Trust for Scotland guardianship at the site.
September 30, 2016 . . . Daily Record UK
I feel the ghosts of Culloden' says Diana Gabaldon who is moved to tears
May 10, 2016 . . .The National: Anger at plan for pylons next to Culloden
. . . Press and Journal: National Trust raises concern about “unacceptable” impact of pylons on Culloden Battlefield
. . . The Scotsman: Conservationists fight to stop pylons “degrading” Culloden
May 9, 2016 . . . National Trust for Scotland challenges pylon plans near Culloden Battlefield
The amended boundary would mean that pylons would be constructed in close proximity to Culloden Battlefield and the nearby 4,000 year-old Clava Cairns, Castle Fraser and Leith Hall.
April 14, 2016. . . BBC Highland and Islands
Culloden battlefield landscape laser-scanned
April 5, 2016 . . . The National
Artist Calum Colvin brings Jacobites into focus at exhibition commemorating Culloden anniversary
April 4, 2016. . . BBC Highlands and Islands
Battle of Culloden's 270th anniversary to be marked
December 4. . . New Battle Lines Drawn up at Culloden
December 3. . . The Scotsman: Victory at Last at New Battle of Culloden
December 3. . .BBC News: Unesco World Heritage status suggested for Culloden
November 25 . . . BBC News: Culloden Battlefield set for greater protection
November 25 . . . Press and Journal: War declared on developers in bid to protect Culloden
November 26 . . . Highland News: New Strategy to Protect Culloden Battlefield from Development
August 3, 2015 - BBC News, Highlands and Islands:
Jacobite Rising's 300th anniversary to be marked
March 6 . . . Press and Journal
Protection for Culloden Battlefield edges closer
. . . BBC News Highlands and Islands
Major review of Culloden Battlefield conservation area
February 27... Press and Journal
Culloden campaigners claim victory in fight to save battlefield
February 27 ... North Star
New plan to guard Highland battlefield from developers
February 27, 2015 . . .The Inverness Courier
Plan to ban Development near Culloden Battlefield
June 17...Inverness Courier
New talks over battlefield homes
May 28 . . . Press and Journal
Culloden housing plans withdrawn (for three houses, not Viewhill!)
May 9 . . . Inverness Courier
Ministers may intervene to scrutinise new Culloden plans
May 8 . . . The Scotsman
Comment: fight back call after Culloden housing defeat
May 7 . . . STV News
Ministers could intervene over plans for historic Culloden housing
May 7 . . . Herald Scotland
Trust Has Hopes of Buying Site Near Battlefield
May 7 . . . Inverness Courier
Council asked to send new Culloden Battlefield plans to Scottish ministers
May 7 . . . Highland News
New twist to Culloden Battlefield homes row
May 7 . . . Inverness Courier
Fears that National Trust for Scotland backtracking over Culloden Battlefield homes
May 6 . . . The Scotsman
Culloden Battlefield Aims to Halt Housing Scheme
May 6 . . . Press and Journal
Legal Bid Over Culloden Binned
May 2 . . . Inverness Courier
Culloden battlefield housing protestors drop plans for Court of Session appeal
May 2 . . . Press and Journal
Protesters in Donor Call
April 30 . . . STV. TV News
Campaigners fighting Culloden housing may have to give up battle
April 30 . . . Press and Journal
Battlefield housing protesters facing defeat
April 29 . . . Inverness Courier
SCOTLAND’S Planning Minister has been accused of removing a Culloden battlefield homes protestor from his Facebook friends’ list.
April 22 . . . Inverness Courier
Battlefield Homes will 'damage nations image'
Chiefs flock to great battle memorial
April 21 . . . Press and Journal
Stay off Battlefield, Developers Warned!
April 20. . . . Herald Scotland
Last charge in battle of Culloden housing plan
April 18 . . . The Scotsman
Culloden battle is too important for us to lose
April 17 . . . Press and Journal
Old weapon in fight for Culloden
Canister shot found outside main battle site near area of 16 planned homes
April 16 . . . Highland News
New houses plan demo at Battle of Culloden anniversary weekend
April 11 . . . Inverness Courier
Battlefield talks "promising"
April 4 . . . Press and Journal
Save Scots Battlefield from Being Enclosed by Concrete
April 4 . . . The Scotsman
Culloden protesters take case to Scottish Parliament
April 1 . . . STV News
Appeal over controversial plans for homes near battlefield approved
April 1 . . . Inverness Courier
Minister under pressure to safeguard battlefields
March 28 . . . Press and Journal
Wrong decision over Culloden homes
March 21 . . . The Inverness Courier
New landowner holds out olive branch in dispute over homes at Culloden
March 21 . . . The Scotsman
Plans to build houses on Culloden could be ditched
March 17. . . . The Scotsman:
Outlander author joins Culloden homes battle
March 5 . . . MFR Radio:
Highlands Enjoys Spike In Visitors To Scottish Attractions
“The historical and cultural connection is what brings people to Culloden, and it brings people from all over the world."
March 4 . . . Inverness Courier:
Prince intervenes in battlefield homes plan
PRINCE Charles is reportedly "very concerned" about controversial plans for new homes on the edge of Culloden Battlefield.
It is understood the Prince of Wales has taken an interest in the development and has asked to be kept up-to-date as a patron of the National Trust for Scotland.
March 3. . .Scottish Daily Record:
Kilted campaigners protest against plans to build houses 400 metres from Culloden battlefield
March 3. . . Press and Journal
Group up in arms over Culloden
March 1 . . . Culloden Campaigners stage a protest against Culloden housing development
You Tube media account of protest
March 1 . . .STV News:
Campaigners stage protest against Culloden housing development
March 1 . . BBC News:
Protests over Culloden Battlefield housing held
February 23. . . Highland News:
Demos to be held against housing development near Culloden Battlefield
January 14 . . . The Scotsman:
Culloden houses: Call for change in planning laws
February 5 . . . The Herald Scotland
Trust wants Culloden approval reversed
January 12 . . . BBC News:
Stargazers oppose planned new homes for Culloden
January 10 . . . Inverness Courier
Battlefield site visit "not needed" claims watchdog
January 10 . . . The Scotsman:
Historic Scotland slammed over Culloden housing
January 9 . . . Deadline News:
Plans to build a housing estate on the edge of Culloden have sparked global outrage
January 8 . . .The Scotsman:
Battle over Culloden housing development plan
Dr. Tony Pollard:
"After some soul searching have come out against Culloden housing development. It's on brownfield but is most definitely thin end of wedge." ". . . if I don't say no to this I won't be able to live with myself in ten years time when the corridor to the west is covered with houses. "
Dr. Pollard is an archaeologist specialising in the archaeology of conflict. He is Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University. He is the co-presenter of the BBC series Two Men in a Trench and co-founder of the Journal of Conflict Archaeology.
"After some soul searching have come out against Culloden housing development. It's on brownfield but is most definitely thin end of wedge." ". . . if I don't say no to this I won't be able to live with myself in ten years time when the corridor to the west is covered with houses. "
Dr. Pollard is an archaeologist specialising in the archaeology of conflict. He is Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University. He is the co-presenter of the BBC series Two Men in a Trench and co-founder of the Journal of Conflict Archaeology.