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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