CAMPAIGNERS have hit out at plans to build a Home Bargains store on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.
Earlier this month, Iceni Projects, on behalf of the discount retailer's owner TJ Morris Ltd, submitted plans to Stirling Council as part of the Crookbridge development near the Springkerse Retail Park.
If approved, the proposal would see two retail units, a garden centre and outdoor sales area, along with a car park with 270 bays being built on the land where the second day of the historic battle was fought.
The community group, Spirit of Scotland 1314, has now called on the local authority to reject the proposal and protect the site of one of Scotland’s most significant battles in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
“It is clear that the protections which have been put in place to protect our historic places have failed to protect the Bannockburn site,” Mark English, one of the campaigners with Spirit of Scotland 1314 wrote.
“This proposal would result in the further incremental and cumulative loss of an acknowledged and significant component of the nationally important Battle of Bannockburn Inventory Battlefield, undermining its landscape character, historic setting, key views and overall integrity.
“The cultural significance of the site will be lost, and the cumulative impact of continuing development within this already heavily affected battlefield landscape will lead to the diminishment of Scotland’s cultural Identity.”
The land in Crookbridge was designated for development in Stirling Council's 2018 Local Development Plan, and permission was granted in 2024 to build a supermarket, a car showroom, offices and a vehicle refuelling hub on the land.
English said the plans, along with the recently approved Landrover development, have contributed to the “slow consumption” of part of Scotland's most historically important sites.
“Together, they will seriously damage the integrity, character and outlook of one of Scotland’s most iconic historic landscapes,” he said.
English said modern academics, historians and archaeologists have agreed that the significant and defining day two of the battle took place between the watercourses of the Bannockburn and the Pelstream on the flat carse lands on the periphery of Stirling at a place near Crookbridge.
The Battle of Bannockburn battle site is designated under Historic Environment Scotland’s Inventory of Historic Battlefields BTL4. A designation English said “should offer meaningful protection”.
He added that the campaign group has previously written to local councillors, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government regarding the development of the site.
English said the latest application “has taken on a level of critical historic importance”.
Among objectors to the proposal are the Braehead and Broomridge Community Council and Stirling University's Professor Leigh Sparks.
“Ultimately, a moratorium on development until shortcomings are addressed and future agreement on an interpretive and commemorative presence in the area of day two of the battle, of which there is none, would be a welcome outcome,” English said.
The application by TJ Morris states the proposal would “enhance the character and appearance” of Springkerse Retail Park.
Stirling Council will consider the proposal in due course.
Stirling Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Home Bargains have been approached for comment.
