Horse racing track next to Battle of Bannockburn site sparks conservation row

Conservation campaigners have said they are “shocked and disappointed” after councillors approved plans for a horse racing track near the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The plans would see a trotting track for harness racing built on land at Corbiewood on the outskirts of Stirling.

The National Trust for Scotland had objected to the plans, saying they would “fundamentally alter the experience of the site” for visitors.

It has now called on Scottish government ministers to intervene and block the move.

The Battle of Bannockburn, fought in June 1314, saw Robert the Bruce and his Scots army defeat the English troops led by King Edward II.

The proposed development would have parking for more than 200 cars and access roads within view of the battle site.

The National Trust for Scotland warned the traffic could result in an “elevated risk of collision on the main road, endangering residents and visitors”.

It added that crowd noise, together with the public address system at the track, would “greatly detract from the visitor experience at a nationally important historic site”.

Stuart Brooks, director of conservation and policy at the charity, said: “This development will have a significant adverse impact on the nationally designated Battlefield of Bannockburn, a heritage site of national and international importance and part of our national identity.”

Mr Brooks said the development would “destroy one of the few remaining undeveloped areas of the designated historic battlefield” and would also “see one of the last green wedges disappear from Stirling”.

He added: “The development will not only damage internationally significant heritage but will fundamentally alter the experience of the site for current and future generations.

“Following Stirling Council’s approval, we ask that Scottish government ministers consider our concerns on behalf of the nation and call in the application for proper scrutiny and their own determination.”

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “The panel carefully considered all information relating to the planning application in making its decision.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We understand that Stirling Council is minded to approve the proposal for the trotting track.

“The application will be notified to ministers who will decide whether or not to call it in for their own determination.”