Forestry threat to Sheriffmuir battle site

Sir, - In December, the Forestry Commission at Perth was overwhelmed by letters of protest from a great many organisations, historians and other individuals over the proposal to extend still further the commercial forest on the great battlefield of Sheriffmuir.

The battlefield of Sheriffmuir, as your readers will know, is one of our most important historic sites, of national, not just local, importance, in the way that Bannockburn and Culloden battlefields were also turning points in Scotland’s history.

More than this, however, is the fact that it remains the burial ground of many from both armies who died in the battle.

Because of its significance, and the knowledge we have of the events of the battle, Historic Scotland ensured that it was among the first to be included in its quite comprehensive Inventory of Battlefields in Scotland, created as a reminder to planning authorities and developers that such historic sites should be respected in proposing developments of any kind on our landscape.

The Forestry Commission has now made known its decision to approve the planting, admitting that the commercial forest proposed will be wholly on the battlefield and will have an immediate impact on the setting and understanding of the site.

Is it perhaps a coincidence that the decision was delayed until the Scottish Parliament was in recess and the people it represents on holiday?

Anyone concerned about the further devastation of such an important historic site should contact in writing the Scottish ministers of rural economy, the environment and land reform and culture and MSPs concerned with these issues. After all, was it not the Forestry Commission who produced the policy document, The Right Tree in the Right Place? Virginia Wills. Glentye, Sheriffmuir.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. The memorial cairn at the site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir.