Bannockburn facing new battle: to stop horse racing track

One of Scotland’s most historic battlefield sites is at risk of being turned into a horse racing track under proposals being considered by local planners.

The National Trust for Scotland has urged ministers to halt the project to build on land at the Bannockburn battlefield, where Robert the Bruce famously defeated Edward II’s English army in 1314.

Stirling council is considering a proposal to develop a trotting track for harness racing on the site.

The Scottish conservation organisation has criticised the “shortsighted” plans, and warned that the country would lose an irreplaceable landscape.

A licensed bar, takeaway hot food and drinks outlet and toilets would also be built under the plans for the site, which has been managed by the trust since 1943.

Scottish ministers