Battle over historic site

There has been a storm of protest about the decision of Stirling University to start construction work on a historic battlesite hailed as the birthplace of the Scottish nation.

The site is on the Airthrey estate where King Kenneth McAlpine defeated the Picts to create a unified Scotland in 834 AD; Historic Scotland thought the land was safe after they intervened to protect a 10 ft standing stone to commemorate the event. Stirling University stuck rigidly to regulations saying they could not disturb the ground within 15 metres of the stone, but are bulldozing all round it to create rugby pitches for the students.

Despite pleas from historical groups and a campaign by George Reid, SNP MSP, and Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the University is going ahead. When George visited the site last weekend, he said "Scotland’s battlefields are a part of our heritage; I have already gone to the highest levels on this matter, but now we have to  see what can be done in terms of preserving this battlefield to the best of our abilities. My main concern now is to see it treated as tastefully as possible within the environment".

We expect our Universities to be institutions which help to preserve our history and culture, and the blatant disregard by Stirling University, and by the planners of Stirling Council is disgraceful.

Pictures taken at the protest meeting

HRH Prince Michael James Alexander Stewart of Albany. (Royal House of
Stewart) with SNP's rep   Fiona McCaulay... with few other Nat's

Flags and Spirits of Scots

Students mark the spot

HRH makes a passionate plea to the University

The Gathering Stone

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