Killiecrankie battle relics to go on show

Artefacts from site of 17th Century conflict to be displayed after transport agency make discovery

Hidden relics unearthed at the site of a 17th Century battleground have gone on display, as transport chiefs reveal extra measures to protect the historic site.

The artefacts, including lead shots, buckles and horseshoes, were found at Killiecrankie during an extensive archaeological survey by Transport Scotland.

The area was the scene of a historically significant 1689 conflict between Jacobites and Government troops.

The recent study was carried out as part of preparations to dual the A9 in Highland Perthshire.

Around 44 acres of land were assessed by a team of metal detectorists and more than 1,400 objects were found.

Some of the more interesting recoveries went on show at the latest consultation event at Killiecrankie Village Hall yesterday.

Transport chiefs have displayed the pieces alongside their revised designs for the controversial A9 route.

More than 180 people objected to the original proposals for the 13-mile Killiecrankie to Glen Garry section.

Historical recreation group the Soldiers of Killiecrankie had warned that the £3 billion dualling work could “obliterate” parts of the old battlefield site.

Transport Scotland said it had revised its design to reduce land take following feedback from locals and Historic Environment Scotland.

These include reducing the length of the slip road at the new Aldclune junction, while steepening earthwork slopes in the section between the Allt Girnaig and the walled garden of Urrard House.

A spokesman for the roads authority said: “We are aware of the sensitivities of the Killiecrankie battlefield and have engaged extensively since 2012 with the local community and key stakeholders as the design of the dualling scheme for the Killiecrankie-Glen Garry section has progressed.

“These public information events are a sign of our continued commitment to this engagement.”

He said: “Following local concerns and comments from Historic Environment Scotland, we recently undertook archaeological investigations within the battlefield.

“No archaeological remains were identified within the road line or by the trial trenching, and the possible burial pits were confirmed to be natural features.

“The investigations did recover more artefacts which furthers our knowledge of the 1689 battle.”

Conservative Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “I am pleased to see some movement from Transport Scotland but unfortunately the design changes don’t go far enough when it comes to protecting the battlefield.”

These public information events are a sign of our continued commitment to this engagement

Hidden artefacts were uncovered using metal detectors at the Perthshire site of the 17th Century battle of Killiecrankie like these lead musket balls, below.