THE historic Battle of Bannockburn site currently falls “short of the standard” visitors expect, the trust tasked with caring for it has conceded.
It comes after campaigner Sean Clerkin raised concerns about the state of the historic battlefield outside Stirling, where Robert the Bruce famously defeated King Edward II’s English army in 1314.
Responding to Clerkin, National Trust for Scotland (NTS) operations manager Cara Stewart said that the issues were known about and being addressed.
Clerkin had said: “I have recently visited the Bannockburn Heritage Centre and the monument to Robert the Bruce and I was shocked how run down it all is.”
He raised specific concerns that there was “overgrown grass surrounding the statue of Robert The Bruce and extending down to the rotunda”, as well as the rotunda itself being “in a terrible condition", such that "some of the wooden parts could fall and injure people”.
“The National Trust for Scotland has got to get to rectify this situation now as this important part of our history and culture must not be allowed to fall into rack and ruin,” Clerkin added.
At Bannockburn, the "rotunda, memorial cairn, flagpole and statue of King Robert I" are all A-listed historical monuments, the highest categorisation.
Responding, Stewart said: “We appreciate you sharing your concerns about the condition of the grounds and the rotunda. These matters are already known to us, and we recognise that aspects of the site currently fall short of the standard that both visitors and the National Trust for Scotland expect.
“Please be assured that work is under way to address a range of maintenance and conservation requirements at the site.”
She went on: “As with many heritage assets, careful planning is required to ensure that any works are carried out appropriately and sympathetically, but the improvements needed have been identified and are progressing through the necessary processes and statutory consents.
“We fully recognise the historical significance of Bannockburn and remain committed to preserving and enhancing this important place for future generations.
“Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch and for your interest in the care of this nationally important site.”
Clerkin said that the admission from the NTS meant that Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan “has to intervene now to order the National Trust For Scotland to rectify this situation as otherwise it will become a national embarrassment”.
Previously, Clerkin and the NTS were aligned in a push to prevent development of a trotting track for harness racing on the site of the 1314 battle.
Last summer, Scottish Government ministers stepped in to prevent the track being built, overturning officials’ recommendations that it be approved.
