Map credit below, David Learmonth and Alan Brown Admins Note: to read articles below, click on date/headline live link
Development encroachment on the Battlefield. Note that the NTS Culloden Battlefield area is much smaller than the area of the actual battle.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Meaningful Protection for Scottish Battlefields
Sign our Change.org petition!
The Group To Stop Development At Culloden recommends this petition to you for the reasons stated below.
By signing this petition you state that the current level of planning protection afforded to Scottish Battlefields, in particular, Culloden Battlefield, is woefully inadequate.
You are also demanding that the Scottish Government urgently pass a Bill to consider all of Scotland’s Battlefields as having DIFFERENTIATED STATUS from ordinary land on which standard material planning considerations are applied. (click headline for link)
January 11, 2021 . . . Inveness Courier
POLL: Should Culloden Battlefield be protected from any further development?
A petition set up to have a law introduced to stop any further developments on Culloden Battlefield has achieved more than 4000 supporters. But what do you think?
Should Culloden Battlefield have all planning applications automatically refused, or should each application for the site be dealt with by the local authority. ( to vote, click on article link above)
December 13 . . . Press and Journal
Petition calls for Scottish Government bill to protect Culloden Battlefield from developers
A petition has been launched demanding the Scottish Government passes a Bill to protect Culloden battlefield and other historic conflict sites from developers.
The move comes just days after Highland Council unanimously refused a renewed proposal to transform part of the Culloden battlefield into a holiday complex with more than a dozen lodges, a cafe, shop and restaurant.
Culloden is sacred to many people as the place where, on 16 April 1746, the Jacobite rising led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart was crushed by Government troops in the last pitched battle fought on British soil.
Despite its inclusion in Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Inventory of Scottish Battlefields, the landscape has been the subject of a series of new and repeated planning applications, including one development now described as a “blot” on the historic landscape.
Highland Council Final Planning Decision on Treetops
This application is refused for the following reasons:
The proposed development would promote unnecessary and unacceptable commercial activity within the boundary of the Inventory Battlefield of Culloden.
click on headline for full document
December 8, 2020
Highland Councillors unanimously refuse Culloden Moor planning application
Members of The Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee have unanimously refused permission for a planning application from Inverness Paving Ltd regarding land at Treetop Stables, Faebuie, Culloden Moor, Inverness. Councillors have refused the application for change of use from an equestrian centre to holiday, leisure and hospitality facilities including 13 lodges, cafe/shop, reception, laundry and restaurant.
Members unanimously approved a motion by Cllr Ron MacWilliam seconded by Cllr Carolyn Caddick to refuse the application which was contrary to officers’ recommendations to grant planning permission. The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s eplanning site https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ (external link) at the following reference 20/01728/FUL.
National Trust welcomes Highland Council decision on Culloden planning application
The National Trust for Scotland, which cares for and protects the ‘core’ segment of the Culloden battlefield has welcomed last night’s unanimous decision by Highland Councillors to reject a bid to convert Treetop Equestrian Centre into a holiday complex. This was the second attempt by the applicant to gain permission for the scheme, which was previously rejected by councillors in May 2019.
The Scotsman . . . December 4, 2020
Fresh battle as Culloden house plan blocked by Scottish Government is revived
Campaigners fighting developments at Culloden face a fresh front after plans to build a house within the historic boundary of the battlefield were revived – just a week after Scottish Ministers took the unprecedented move of rejecting proposals for the site.
November 17, 2020
GSDC takes note of and warmly welcomes the unprecedented decision taken today by Scottish Ministers to refuse planning permission for the house at Culchunaig (18/04194/FUL). It is marked number 8 on the GSDC map and is located on a hugely sensitive site within Culloden Battlefield.
A previous application was approved by Highland Council and HC was minded to grant the second application. The GSDC worked hard to get the second application called-in by the Scottish Government, which happened.
An appointed Reporter then recommended that planning permission be granted.
This was overturned and the Scottish Ministers’ decision to refuse is final.
A momentous turnaround of events, and one that we sincerely hope marks a new dawn for the protection of the Battlefield especially with still four live applications awaiting determination, including a holiday resort.
November 18, 2020 . . . The National
Campaigners hail 'unprecedented' decision to stop Culloden Battlefield house plans
CAMPAIGNERS have hailed Scottish ministers' "unprecedented" decision to stop a house being built on Culloden Battlefield.
The plans were rejected after ministers said the move would "suburbanise" the Jacobite site due to the “national historic significance” of the battlefield.
A dilapidated farm steading near the battlefield had been planned to become a family home – complete with zen garden and chillout zone – sparking a battle with conservationists who were furious about the proposals.
The site at Culchunaig, Scottish Highlands, lies near to a section of battlefield owned by National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and is within the battlefield boundary.
It was the scene of major fighting during the battle in April 1746 between the Jacobites and British forces.
October 12, 2020 . . . Culloden chief: Backing of holiday park plan near battlefield is 'depressing'
The plans were strongly condemned by historians and campaigners given the site, the old Treetops equestrian centre at Feabuie, is where British troops “saddled up” before their 1746 clash with the Jacobites.
The new holiday park sits around a mile north of the section of battlefield owned by National Trust for Scotland (NTS), with the conservation charity among those objecting to the plans.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, NTS operations manager at Culloden Battlefield, said: “We objected very strongly and the fact that it is going to get approved is very depressing. We can do no more at this stage.
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.
National Trust for Scotland: Public plead to protect Culloden
The unique atmosphere, importance as a place of history and remembrance, and the open aspects of Culloden Battlefield must be protected, according to the public.
We are revealing the findings of our Culloden 300 Report, the 275th anniversary of Charles Edward Stuart’s arrival in Scotland which ignited the 1745 Jacobite rising.
Last year, around 3,000 people took part online and in person in the consultation which aimed to establish how people wanted the site of Britain’s last pitched battle to look in 2046, 300 years on from the event that marked the conclusion of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s attempt on the British throne.
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.
From the GSDC:
Just over two years ago, a planning application (18/01399/FUL) was submitted for a holiday park proposed to be built on Culloden Battlefield, including lodges, cafe, shop, reception, laundry and a 100-seat restaurant.
This is site number 4 indicated on the map pinned above and at the right.
This planning application was refused by Highland Council on 9th May, 2019.
That though was not the end and perhaps encouraged by other developments since approved on the battlefield, a new application (20/01728/FUL) has just been submitted.
Campaigners hail 'unprecedented' decision to stop Culloden Battlefield house plans
CAMPAIGNERS have hailed Scottish ministers' "unprecedented" decision to stop a house being built on Culloden Battlefield.
The plans were rejected after ministers said the move would "suburbanise" the Jacobite site due to the “national historic significance” of the battlefield.
A dilapidated farm steading near the battlefield had been planned to become a family home – complete with zen garden and chillout zone – sparking a battle with conservationists who were furious about the proposals.
The site at Culchunaig, Scottish Highlands, lies near to a section of battlefield owned by National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and is within the battlefield boundary.
It was the scene of major fighting during the battle in April 1746 between the Jacobites and British forces.
October 12, 2020 . . . Culloden chief: Backing of holiday park plan near battlefield is 'depressing'
The plans were strongly condemned by historians and campaigners given the site, the old Treetops equestrian centre at Feabuie, is where British troops “saddled up” before their 1746 clash with the Jacobites.
The new holiday park sits around a mile north of the section of battlefield owned by National Trust for Scotland (NTS), with the conservation charity among those objecting to the plans.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, NTS operations manager at Culloden Battlefield, said: “We objected very strongly and the fact that it is going to get approved is very depressing. We can do no more at this stage.
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.
National Trust for Scotland: Public plead to protect Culloden
The unique atmosphere, importance as a place of history and remembrance, and the open aspects of Culloden Battlefield must be protected, according to the public.
We are revealing the findings of our Culloden 300 Report, the 275th anniversary of Charles Edward Stuart’s arrival in Scotland which ignited the 1745 Jacobite rising.
Last year, around 3,000 people took part online and in person in the consultation which aimed to establish how people wanted the site of Britain’s last pitched battle to look in 2046, 300 years on from the event that marked the conclusion of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s attempt on the British throne.
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.
From the GSDC:
Just over two years ago, a planning application (18/01399/FUL) was submitted for a holiday park proposed to be built on Culloden Battlefield, including lodges, cafe, shop, reception, laundry and a 100-seat restaurant.
This is site number 4 indicated on the map pinned above and at the right.
This planning application was refused by Highland Council on 9th May, 2019.
That though was not the end and perhaps encouraged by other developments since approved on the battlefield, a new application (20/01728/FUL) has just been submitted.
Map of the Battle of Culloden provided by The Historians Council on Culloden
It's OFFICIAL!!
Treetops holiday park application 18/01399/FUL (Change of use from equestrian centre to holiday, leisure and hospitality facilities including 13 lodges, cafe/shop, reception, laundry and restaurant).
REFUSED by Highland Council.
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.
View the new half hour film produced for the Historians' Council on Culloden by award winning film maker and GSDC member, Deborah Dennison, takes you through the facts of the battle and the struggle to stop development activities on the battlefield in recent years.
Treetops holiday park application 18/01399/FUL (Change of use from equestrian centre to holiday, leisure and hospitality facilities including 13 lodges, cafe/shop, reception, laundry and restaurant).
REFUSED by Highland Council.
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.
View the new half hour film produced for the Historians' Council on Culloden by award winning film maker and GSDC member, Deborah Dennison, takes you through the facts of the battle and the struggle to stop development activities on the battlefield in recent years.
This is what 72,000 signatures on our petition looks like!
STOP!
NO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD!
Now standing at 103,000 signatures
This petition is addressed to David Fraser Sutherland, Kirkwood Homes Ltd. and Historic Environment Scotland
The Admin and members of GSDC, and all who sign this petition are very concerned that this land will disappear under houses and pavements; thus creating an irreparable scar on Culloden Moor and ultimately will generate disrespect towards those who died and lie buried under its unforgiving moorland. The building of 16 luxury houses at Viewhill farm would convert the existing agricultural land use to suburban, subdivided parcels. Probable widening and extensions of roads accessing this property do not comply with the Culloden Muir Conservation Area.
If allowed, this development will affect the area in a dramatic, negative way. Increased traffic, street lighting, issues with drainage and unsightly rooflines, and increased residential noise will greatly affect the Battlefield experience. The area will lose its ability to convey a sense of historical and cultural significance, as a memorial, in which to sit and contemplate, as a place of connection for millions of people around the world.
NO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD!
Now standing at 103,000 signatures
This petition is addressed to David Fraser Sutherland, Kirkwood Homes Ltd. and Historic Environment Scotland
The Admin and members of GSDC, and all who sign this petition are very concerned that this land will disappear under houses and pavements; thus creating an irreparable scar on Culloden Moor and ultimately will generate disrespect towards those who died and lie buried under its unforgiving moorland. The building of 16 luxury houses at Viewhill farm would convert the existing agricultural land use to suburban, subdivided parcels. Probable widening and extensions of roads accessing this property do not comply with the Culloden Muir Conservation Area.
If allowed, this development will affect the area in a dramatic, negative way. Increased traffic, street lighting, issues with drainage and unsightly rooflines, and increased residential noise will greatly affect the Battlefield experience. The area will lose its ability to convey a sense of historical and cultural significance, as a memorial, in which to sit and contemplate, as a place of connection for millions of people around the world.
Map created by Historic Scotland to indicate the area of historical importance at Culloden Battlefield. Note that Viewhill Farm is in black and in the protected area!
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Map of the 2015 Culloden Muir Protection Area indicating that the battle took place over a much wider area. Note that Viewhill Farm is in this protected area!
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WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT. . .
- In 2011, an Inverness property developer presented plans to Highland Council for a 16 unit housing development at Viewhill, just 400+ metres from Culloden Battlefield.
- The proposed development was rejected by Highland Council. The Developer appealed. The matter was then decided by a Government Appointed Reporter who ruled in favour of the Developer.
- This Group was formed to protest the plans to build the 16 houses. We gathered information, data, maps and legislative references which left no doubt as to the historical significance of the battlefield and the area beyond and, its importance on a National and International level.
- The new designated Protection Area of 2015 enlarged the protected zone but does not include Viewhill as permission to build was granted in 2014.
- Building houses on that site is deeply disrespectful. It is part of a war grave.
- The building of 16 houses at Viewhill converts the existing agricultural land use to suburban, subdivided parcels. Possible widening and extensions of roads accessing this property do not comply with the Culloden Muir Conservation Area and if allowed will further damage the area. This is not an appropriate use for this land.
- We need to protect that area for future generations. It was a pivotal battle in British history and is of huge international interest and it is incumbent on us to protect it. “The battle actually covered a far greater area than that which the National Trust owns and runs.” HC Ken Gowans
- "Culloden is an incredibly sensitive site. The site is very important to a lot of people...it's almost a place of pilgrimage. There's a particular aspect to that landscape that you could quite easily destroy by building something that was unsuitable for that environment.” Tony Pollard
…………………………………………..the fight is NOT over!
See what Culloden Battlefield might look like if development is allowed to take place! A video by a member of the Scottish Diaspora now living in Australia.
A video by GSDC member Paul Jamieson on the 270th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. The video starts around 6am on the commemoration Saturday after he spent the night walking the Battlefield. It snowed and rained most of the evening and was still overcast. The march and service at the central Cairn and afterwards the patriots departed but some stayed on meeting and greeting old and new friends...
Culloden Lament... 5th October 2016 by Charlie McAulay Robertson
Two years and more have past since the news was broken.
Houses to be built on Culloden moor and then the world it was outspoken.
Yes, people from around the globe just could not understand.
What does posses those corporate minds, that they would desecrate our sacred land.
New laws were passed by government that would give it more protection.
Which meant to us that there would be consultation before any house erection.
But those unscrupulous business men with there eyes set on the brass.
Find loopholes in everything, even the laws that the government pass.
So here we are today and the problems are still looming.
And believe me when I say, Scotland it should be fuming.
They want to wipe away our history, while all we can do is lament.
As they cover it up with houses aye, tar macadam, bricks an cement.
Listen to Ted Christopher sing "Freedom's Flame" written by Ted for the Culloden Commemoration
Blàr Chùil Lodair, 16 an Giblean 2016.
Tha na faireachdainnean agam an-diugh a’ sìneadh eadar irioslachd agus pròis, irioslachd a thaobh an urraim a thug sibh dhomh cuimhne a ghleidheadh air na Gàidheil cliùiteach a thuit ann an Cogadh nan Seumasach, agus pròis a thaobh an dleastanais a bhuilich sibh orm a bhith a’ riochdachadh Comunn Gàidhlig Inbhir-Nis aig Seirbhis Cuimhneachaidh Blàr Chùil Lodair. Le carragh-cuimhne air ar beulaibh agus raon uaigneach tiamhaidh fo ar comhair, tha sinn uile mothachail air an tuiteamas seo a tha a’ sìoladh sìos thugainn thar nan linntean bhon dearbh latha sa’ Ghiblean 1746. Gu deimhinnte ’s e droch latha a bh’ ann, airson Gàidheal air gach taobh dhen t-strì agus mar sin, tha cothrom againn a-rithist an-diugh cuimhne ùrachadh air na daoine foghainteach a chaill am beatha aig Cùil Lodair agus an comharrachadh as ùr.
Gaelic Society Chief, Prof Hugh Cheape, addresses the gathering at the 2016 Memorial Service and Mgr. Maoilios Caimbeul reads ‘Latha Chùil-Lodair’ / ‘Culloden Day’ by Iain Ruadh Stiùbhart.
Tha na faireachdainnean agam an-diugh a’ sìneadh eadar irioslachd agus pròis, irioslachd a thaobh an urraim a thug sibh dhomh cuimhne a ghleidheadh air na Gàidheil cliùiteach a thuit ann an Cogadh nan Seumasach, agus pròis a thaobh an dleastanais a bhuilich sibh orm a bhith a’ riochdachadh Comunn Gàidhlig Inbhir-Nis aig Seirbhis Cuimhneachaidh Blàr Chùil Lodair. Le carragh-cuimhne air ar beulaibh agus raon uaigneach tiamhaidh fo ar comhair, tha sinn uile mothachail air an tuiteamas seo a tha a’ sìoladh sìos thugainn thar nan linntean bhon dearbh latha sa’ Ghiblean 1746. Gu deimhinnte ’s e droch latha a bh’ ann, airson Gàidheal air gach taobh dhen t-strì agus mar sin, tha cothrom againn a-rithist an-diugh cuimhne ùrachadh air na daoine foghainteach a chaill am beatha aig Cùil Lodair agus an comharrachadh as ùr.
Gaelic Society Chief, Prof Hugh Cheape, addresses the gathering at the 2016 Memorial Service and Mgr. Maoilios Caimbeul reads ‘Latha Chùil-Lodair’ / ‘Culloden Day’ by Iain Ruadh Stiùbhart.
'Presenting' or 'lining' is very much part of Gaelic Culture. The presenter sings the line, the congregation sings the line after him. Here is a video of the remembrance service at Culloden.
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