Ministers to Decide Future of Bannockburn Battlefield as Racing Track

The Scottish Government is about to make a decision about the construction of a horse harness racing track near the historic Bannockburn Battlefield, following protests from conservationists and locals. Stirling council approved the plan on July 30, which made them worried that these would affect one of the Scotland’s most heritage sites.

The plans, submitted by Mr. H. Muirhead of the Scottish Horse Racing Club, include the creation of a trotting track for horse racing, a single-storey building for amenities such as toilets, a bar, hot food services, and parking for 240 vehicles. The proposed site is an agricultural field near the Bannockburn visitor center, situated west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road at Whins of Milton.

Despite approval from Stirling Council, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has been vocal in its opposition, labeling the proposal as “damaging and unsuitable.” The NTS argues that the development would fundamentally alter the visitor experience and desecrate a site of national significance, where Robert the Bruce led his Scots army to victory against King Edward II’s English forces in 1314.

In response to the outcry, the Scottish Government has now intervened, with ministers calling in the plans for further review. An independent reporter from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has been tasked with assessing the proposal and will submit a report to Scottish ministers for final determination.

Councillor Gerry McLaughlan welcomed the government’s decision, expressing hope that the review will highlight the importance of preserving the fields surrounding the battlefield. He also suggested the possibility of finding an alternative location for the trotting track, acknowledging the sport’s historical presence in the area.

Stuart Brooks, Director of Conservation and Policy at the NTS, praised the government’s decision to review the proposal. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the Council, the NTS, and the local community to protect the battlefield while also considering the needs of the harness racing community.

The Scottish Harness Racing Club, which has been searching for a new base since the demolition of Corbiewood Stadium in 2022, currently uses a grass track at Haugh Field, with the nearest hard track located in York. The outcome of this review will determine whether the proposed development can proceed or if alternative arrangements must be made to preserve the historic significance of Bannockburn.