STOP!
NO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD!

This petition is addressed to  
Historic Environment Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop.msp, Local Government and Communities Committee Members, James Dornan.msp, Monica Lennon.msp, Annabelle Ewing.msp, Kenneth Gibson.msp, Graham Simpson.msp, Alexander Stewart.msp, Andy Wightman.msp and SNP Housing Minister Kevin Stewart.msp

 
On this site, the Battle of Culloden was fought on the 16th of ApriI, 1746. The Jacobite army led by Prince Charles Edward Stewart, 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' was defeated by Government forces commanded by the Duke of Cumberland . The Battle claimed the lives of approximately 2000 men. The Battlefield is essentially a grave site.
Beneath the topsoil, lie the bodies of those 2,000 men. No one really knows where they all are for sure, we don't, but we're not the ones desecrating this battlefields and war grave.

The Battlefield at Culloden is designated as being of National importance. It sits firmly within the National consciousness as a symbol of national identity, of cultural and historical significance and, of International importance to those outside Scotland who share a common cultural and historical background.

In 2011, Inverness Properties submitted a planning application to Highland Council to build a 16 unit housing development at Viewhill Farm near Inverness and in close proximity to the National Trust protected enclosure of Culloden Battlefield. This development was rejected by Highland Council. The Developer appealed. The matter went to a Government Reporter who had the power to approve or dismiss the development application.
The Group to Stop Development at Culloden was created during this time. Thousands joined us in the fight to save Culloden Battlefield from a development - which lies within the Inventory of Battlefields designated as of "National Importance".
The Development would be approx. 800 metres from the battlefield enclosure and well within the newly designated, 2015 Culloden Muir Protection Area.
The Government appointed Reporter approved the development in January of 2014.
The original developer walked away and David Sutherland, the then land owner, became involved with a company called Kirkwood homes, they submitted similar but slightly different plans which had to satisfy Highland Council planning, within the guidelines set down by The S.G. Reporter and would satisfy the restriction offered the area, by the conservation zone protection. Which it would appear they did.
Sadly the Developer has now started ground works on the site in readiness for the building of these 16 luxury houses.
As we feared and predicted, this has led to a virtual avalanche of other applications to build, further encroaching on the Battlefield and within the defined Inventory Area.
We are continuing to fight these applications as they arise by lodging Planning Objections, but need your support to get the Scottish Government to step up and protect the Battlefield area before it is too late.
If you did not sign the original petition then please take the time to add your name now and also help us, by writing/emailing/phoning/texting your local MSP/MP/Government /media and friends to make them aware just how much building is being proposed around the site.
Internationally, please contact your government officials too, ask them to use their influence on your behalf.

James.Dornan.msp@parliament.scot

Monica.Lennon.msp@parliament.scot

Annabelle.Ewing.msp@parliament.scot

Kenneth.Gibson.msp@parliament.scot

Graham.Simpson.msp@parliament.scot

Alexander.Stewart.msp@parliament.scot

Andy.Wightman.msp@parliament.scot

Kevin.Stewart.msp@parliament.scot

Fiona.Hyslop.msp@parliament.scot

This is not appropriate use for this land.
STOP THE DEVELOPMENT AT CULLODEN.

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Twitter: G.S.D.C.@GSDCCulloden

Email: gsdculloden@gmail.com