Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the body which manages many of Scotland’s historic sites, has produced a report on the nation’s battlefields. There have been serious concerns raised recently with petitions to the Scottish Parliament, for example with building applications near the Culloden Battlefield and other sites, that planning regulations have not been sufficient to protect these important places.

In May 2021, HES commissioned planning and development consultants Lichfields UK to undertake a report examining how Historic Battlefields are managed within the Scottish planning system.

Their report concluded that while the Inventory and the policy protections which exist around it are functioning as intended, there are some changes which could improve its working. These included providing greater clarity both in terms of designation and guidance for those working with battlefields, and managing battlefield archaeology more effectively.

A public consultation was then undertaken. HES identified a series of actions which they will undertake to improve the system. This will include a review of battlefields selection guidance to clarify how boundaries are defined and what aspects are included in the designation.

Ann MacSween, Head of Planning, Consents and Advice  at HES, said:

“Scotland’s historic battles are an important part of our identity and culture, and their designation and management in the planning system seeks to ensure that their significance is recognised and taken into account in development decisions.

“The Lichfields report has provided useful evidence of how the inventory of battlefields is working in the planning system now that the inventory has entered the second decade of its existence.

“We do not think that major changes are required to how battlefields are protected in the planning system. However, the report and the feedback we received from stakeholders have helped to identify a series of actions and we look forward to taking these forward together with the sector.”