Photo credit above: Gaelic Society of Inverness . . .Culloden Commemoration 2018 Note: to read articles below, click on headline live link
Culloden Commemoration, 2018 -
photo: Longhouse Phototography/Gordon Bain
Address delivered by Murdo Beaton, Gaelic Society Chief, at the 2018 Culloden Anniversary Service
. . . "We are all aware of the developments proposed for the periphery of the battlefield, and we must continue making the point to the officials and elected representatives who have responsibility for making decisions on these matters that, to every true Gael, this place is sacred ground, containing as it does the bones of our ancestors in the mass graves which are round about us here."
Press Release: Historians’ Council on Culloden
Comhairle eachdraidheil mu Chùil Lodair
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
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.”
Comment from Cllr. Ken Gowans:
I was delighted sign a Motion of Amendment today that will bring this Planning Application to the Environment Development and Infrastructure Committee for determination. By rights this should have been refused yesterday but due to (understandable) confusion it was approved.
A Notice of Motion stops all progression - immediately. It is not over. The next meeting of the EDI Committee is on 17th May.
February 5, 2018 . . . UPDATE on Treetops Development
From the Architects: HRI Munro. . . "Preliminary imagery of our new Treetops lodges near Culloden, part of a new visitor / restaurant project currently in the planning process. Each elevated lodge will provide luxury space for 2-4 visitors, a secluded pinewood setting and an outside hot tub!"
Treetops Riding Stables wants to convert their rural property into 14 holiday chalets, add a 100 person restaurant and several outbuildings. This project is within the 2015 Conservation Area and within the Battlefield Boundary! This is just "down the street" from the entrance to the Battlefield.
When this project comes up for public comment...we will let you know!!!
Read the planning documents
Check the development status
See the map
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.
. . . "We are all aware of the developments proposed for the periphery of the battlefield, and we must continue making the point to the officials and elected representatives who have responsibility for making decisions on these matters that, to every true Gael, this place is sacred ground, containing as it does the bones of our ancestors in the mass graves which are round about us here."
Press Release: Historians’ Council on Culloden
Comhairle eachdraidheil mu Chùil Lodair
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
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.”
Comment from Cllr. Ken Gowans:
I was delighted sign a Motion of Amendment today that will bring this Planning Application to the Environment Development and Infrastructure Committee for determination. By rights this should have been refused yesterday but due to (understandable) confusion it was approved.
A Notice of Motion stops all progression - immediately. It is not over. The next meeting of the EDI Committee is on 17th May.
February 5, 2018 . . . UPDATE on Treetops Development
From the Architects: HRI Munro. . . "Preliminary imagery of our new Treetops lodges near Culloden, part of a new visitor / restaurant project currently in the planning process. Each elevated lodge will provide luxury space for 2-4 visitors, a secluded pinewood setting and an outside hot tub!"
Treetops Riding Stables wants to convert their rural property into 14 holiday chalets, add a 100 person restaurant and several outbuildings. This project is within the 2015 Conservation Area and within the Battlefield Boundary! This is just "down the street" from the entrance to the Battlefield.
When this project comes up for public comment...we will let you know!!!
Read the planning documents
Check the development status
See the map
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.
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This is what 72,000 signatures on our petition looks like!
Sign our new Petition...now with over 81,000 signatures!
STOP!
NO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD!
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."
Kirkwood Homes is planning to build "Cairnfields"
Expected Release - Early 2018
"An intimate and extremely luxurious development of just 16 stunning and spacious 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes."
Link to new Viewhill housing development plans in the works from Kirkwood Homes Ltd.
November 3, 2017:
Statement from Group to Stop Development at Culloden
click on headline to read
The Group to Stop Development at Culloden is aware that the 16 house building development at the Viewhill Farm site is now in the amended planning stage. We continue to be totally opposed to this development which sits just 400+ meters from the Culloden Battlefield Enclosure and is where the last pitched battle on British soil took place.
The application and planning documents by Kirkwood Homes Ltd: http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do…
Expected Release - Early 2018
"An intimate and extremely luxurious development of just 16 stunning and spacious 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes."
Link to new Viewhill housing development plans in the works from Kirkwood Homes Ltd.
November 3, 2017:
Statement from Group to Stop Development at Culloden
click on headline to read
The Group to Stop Development at Culloden is aware that the 16 house building development at the Viewhill Farm site is now in the amended planning stage. We continue to be totally opposed to this development which sits just 400+ meters from the Culloden Battlefield Enclosure and is where the last pitched battle on British soil took place.
The application and planning documents by Kirkwood Homes Ltd: http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do…
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!
October 3, 2016
Please read this article in the Press and Journal
We wish to inform you all that there is currently work being done at Viewhill - site of the proposed 16 houses. The developer is in the process of demolishing farm buildings - these demolitions are in compliance with conditions set by the Scottish Government's Reporter when planning permission was given.. While huge strides have been gained in the protection of the battlefield with the new larger area map of 2015, protection does not include Viewhill Farm. Unfortunately, the developer had already been given permission to build the 16 homes
The developer is proposing amendments to the original planning application and it is the hope of this group that concerned Highland Councillors and the public will be given every opportunity to comment.
We have been extremely vocal against any houses being built on the area of the Battlefield since the beginning of January 2014. Our position has not changed. Expect us to be vocal. We will keep members updated as we continue to evaluate the situation.
Developer Master Plan
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.
April 15, 2016: National Trust for Scotland
On the 16th April 1746 the Battle of Culloden took place on Drumossie Muir, near Inverness. The battle lasted less than an hour and saw Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Jacobite army defeated by a Government army led by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland.
April 15, 2016: National Trust for Scotland
On the 16th April 1746 the Battle of Culloden took place on Drumossie Muir, near Inverness. The battle lasted less than an hour and saw Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Jacobite army defeated by a Government army led by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland.
Petition, bound into three
volumes.
View our old petition! AND Sign our new petition!!
Over 18,000people have signed our on-line petition, including Sir Kenneth Calman, former Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon, Dr. Tony Pollard, Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University, Historian Chris Haines MBE and many, many others who are making a statement against the development!
As of February 2015 the petition is no longer active but remains a strong statement regarding keeping development away from Culloden Battlefield!
Over 18,000people have signed our on-line petition, including Sir Kenneth Calman, former Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon, Dr. Tony Pollard, Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University, Historian Chris Haines MBE and many, many others who are making a statement against the development!
As of February 2015 the petition is no longer active but remains a strong statement regarding keeping development away from Culloden Battlefield!
Click below to make a donation via Pay Pal to the Stop Development at Culloden Group
