Plans for new visitor centre at historic Bannockburn Battlefield revealed

A decisive clash in the First Scottish War of Independence, the Battle of Bannockburn saw the almost complete rout of an English Army of nearly 13,000 men and laid the foundation for Scottish Independence in 1328.

Now ambitious plans to improve the interpretation at the site of the historic battle have come a step closer after Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland unveiled their plans for a new visitor centre.

With the planning application for the new centre being lodged with Stirling Council this week (June 20 2011), its dramatic new look is revealed via information boards onsite at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre.

Award-winning architects Reiach and Hall are behind the new build, which is part of a wider project to enhance the presentation of the battle and its significance to Scottish history in time for the 700th anniversary in 2014.

The 1314 clash is today recognised as a monumental defeat for the forces of English king Edward II at the hands of a smaller Scottish force led by Scottish king Robert the Bruce.

In addition to the £5 million awarded to the project by the Scottish Government, an application has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for additional interpretation and landscaping works which will open views of the memorial at the site and of the iconic statue of Robert the Bruce.