The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Battlefield status ‘worthless’ if A9 plan approved, MSP says
A historic battlefield’s protected status could end up being “worthless” if a proposed development goes ahead, a local MSP has claimed.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said a proposal to build a road could ruin the status of the Killiecrankie site in Perthshire.
The Scottish Conservative politician asked Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop about the project in Holyrood and the SNP minister confirmed the government would have the final say on whether Killiecrankie will form part of the new dualled A9. She also noted that “particular consideration” would be given to battlefields but Mr Fraser wants greater assurances.
He said: “Fiona Hyslop outlined a number of protections in place to prevent construction on our historic battlefields but these will be rendered worthless if the green light is given to road building on the battlefield at Killiecrankie. Only SNP ministers can prevent significant chunks of the battlefield being lost.
“The success of TV series like Outlander has introduced a whole new generation to our history and many of these viewers are travelling to Scotland to visit the sites featured in the books and on TV. It would be unforgivable if these were tarmacked when a clear and obvious alternate route exists.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are aware of the sensitivities around what is an important battlefield. As the existing A9 already runs through the site of the battlefield, any of the dual carriageway widening options will have some impact on the battlefield.
“This section of the A9 is now subject to the statutory process and evidence will be hear data public local inquiry in due course. Scottish ministers will thereafter be called upon to determine this case and it is not therefore appropriate to comment on the proposals or indeed the objections that have been raised.”
The Battle of Killiecrankie took place on July 27 1689. A combined Scottish and Irish Jacobite force secured victory against supporters of William III.