New accolade for Culloden site

The National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre has stepped into the new year with important industry recognition.

The site of one of Scotland’s most important historical events has been awarded the coveted Museum Accreditation status by Museums Galleries Scotland, the national development body for the museum sector in Scotland.

The accreditation has taken a year to achieve and means the battlefield site can now make claim to any archaeological discoveries found on the site. Previously, any archaeological finds on the battlefield have been managed by Highland Council.

Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict, and explain the complexities and tragedy of this battle which was such an important 18th century event.

National Trust for Scotland operations manager at Culloden Raoul Curtis-Machin said: ‘This is a magnificent achievement for Culloden Battlefield and the team here is thrilled with the news. We are always working towards a vision where Scotland’s heritage is valued by everyone and protected for future generations and this is a significant step forward in achieving that.’

Raoul added: ‘This accreditation will help us to raise standards of collections management, which involves the development, storage and preservation of our collection, as well as provide important access to funding for our visitor facilities. This is vital as we progress our plans to protect the landscape of Culloden Moor for future generations.

‘We hope this accreditation will help us to encourage visitors to connect with the things that make Scotland unique, through our exhibition, our guided battle tours and our fascinating events programme.

‘We are open all year and our dedicated team of staff and volunteers all do what we do for the love of Scotland, knowing we are helping to protect it for future generations.’