Photo credit above: BBC, GSDC admins and members at October 13 protest Note: to read articles below, click on date/headline live link
Watch the new 30 minute film produced by the Historian's Council on Culloden and GSDC member, Deborah Dennison, which takes you through the facts of the battle and the struggle to stop development activities on the battlefield in recent years.
Read the Report from the Historians Council on Culloden
Read the Report from the Historians Council on Culloden
The 273rd commemoration of the Battle of Culloden, April 13, 2019.
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 auctioneers describe it as ‘a very rare and unique opportunity to purchase Culloden Woodlands with a global reputation. Around one mile as the crow flies from the battlefield of Culloden makes this the ideal investment opportunity. Excellent capital growth potential. Development potential subject to planning permissions and title obligation.’
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.
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.
The Scotsman . . . April 15, 2019
Culloden: Call for World Heritage Site status to protect battlefield from developers
"If it secures World Heritage Status, Culloden would join six other elite historic sites in Scotland - The Antonine Wall, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, Old and New Town of Edinburgh, St Kilda and the Forth Bridge.
In an interview with the Inverness Courier to mark the 273rd anniversary of the battle, Mr Curtis-Machin of the NTS, said it could be the only “sure fire way” of halting development in the future."
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.
The Inverness Courier . . .April 13, 2019
Bid for Unesco World Heritage status would save Culloden site from developers
World Heritage status affords designated sites legal protection from destruction in warfare under the Geneva Convention.
But on a more practical level Unesco claims it also helps create a climate of assumption against development in and around designated sites.
As part of a statement on the accreditation criteria it says: “Once a country signs the World Heritage Convention and has sites inscribed on the World Heritage List the resulting prestige often helps raise awareness among citizens and governments for heritage preservation.
Greater awareness leads to a general rise in the level of protection and conservation given to heritage projects.”
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.
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 auctioneers describe it as ‘a very rare and unique opportunity to purchase Culloden Woodlands with a global reputation. Around one mile as the crow flies from the battlefield of Culloden makes this the ideal investment opportunity. Excellent capital growth potential. Development potential subject to planning permissions and title obligation.’
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.
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.
The Scotsman . . . April 15, 2019
Culloden: Call for World Heritage Site status to protect battlefield from developers
"If it secures World Heritage Status, Culloden would join six other elite historic sites in Scotland - The Antonine Wall, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, Old and New Town of Edinburgh, St Kilda and the Forth Bridge.
In an interview with the Inverness Courier to mark the 273rd anniversary of the battle, Mr Curtis-Machin of the NTS, said it could be the only “sure fire way” of halting development in the future."
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.
The Inverness Courier . . .April 13, 2019
Bid for Unesco World Heritage status would save Culloden site from developers
World Heritage status affords designated sites legal protection from destruction in warfare under the Geneva Convention.
But on a more practical level Unesco claims it also helps create a climate of assumption against development in and around designated sites.
As part of a statement on the accreditation criteria it says: “Once a country signs the World Heritage Convention and has sites inscribed on the World Heritage List the resulting prestige often helps raise awareness among citizens and governments for heritage preservation.
Greater awareness leads to a general rise in the level of protection and conservation given to heritage projects.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Petition letter to David Sutherland, Directors at Kirkwood Homes Ltd and Historic Environment Scotland
". . . We feel, especially with all the media and public interest we are generating, that taking up such a course
could potentially bring you great acclaim and honours. If you were to donate the land to the National Trust for Scotland, or another charity of equal standing, we assure you that we would make as much of that story, as we have done with the potential desecration of the land by building houses on it."
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.
Petition letter to David Sutherland, Directors at Kirkwood Homes Ltd and Historic Environment Scotland
". . . We feel, especially with all the media and public interest we are generating, that taking up such a course
could potentially bring you great acclaim and honours. If you were to donate the land to the National Trust for Scotland, or another charity of equal standing, we assure you that we would make as much of that story, as we have done with the potential desecration of the land by building houses on it."
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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