Council chaos in battle over Culloden houses

IT was the last major battle on British soil and its outcome was utterly decisive.

But now, more than 270 years after the Jacobites were routed at Culloden, a proposed housing development at the historic battleground is mired in confusion.

This week, Highland Council’s decision on whether to grant approval ended in chaos after councillors blundered when casting their votes.

The Kirkwood Homes development, at Viewhill Farm, close to the main Inverness-shire battleground, gained approval after the council’s south planning applications committee voted five to three to approve an amended design on Tuesday. But it is understood that two councillors, who intended to reject the plan, pressed the wrong buttons.

The decision has now been suspended after Conservative councillor Andrew Jarvie, who voted against, asked for the decision to be reviewed.

The application will be considered again from scratch at another meeting.

Viewhill Farm is within the boundary of the Culloden Battlefield Conservation Area and is on Historic Environment Scotland’s Inventory of Historic Battlefields.

Campaigners opposing the plan for 16 homes say the 1746 battle, in which Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army was crushed by Government forces, was fought on part on the site of the development, making it a war grave. The National Trust for Scotland said giving it the go-ahead was a ‘blow’.

Campaigner George Kempik said: ‘We are pleased that the vote will be looked at again. It would be a disgrace to approve this application.’