The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Historians warn massive housing development could wipe out Perthshire battlefield.
Development site expected to include 3,700 homes and new businesses near Tibbermore
Historians are worried that a massive development planned for Perth could wipe out unrecorded evidence of one of Scotland’s most significant conflicts. The Battle of Tippermuir marked the first shots fired in the 17th Century Scottish Civil War. It was the start of the Marquis of Montrose’s campaign for Charles I against the Covenanter armies of the Scottish Parliament. The battle happened on an area of flat ground between Perth and the village of Tippermuir, now Tibbermore. But the land is now earmarked as part of the £140 million Perth West project. The expansion is expected to include around 3,700 houses and businesses. The First Marquis of Montrose Society has called for a full research of the land, before any development work begins. In its submission to Perth and Kinross Council planners the society stops short of making a formal objection, but calls for a “constructive approach towards balancing battlefield development and sustainable development.”
It is vital that a battlefield conservation plan is prepared
Society spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm McVittie said: “It is vital that a battlefield conservation plan is prepared as a precursor to any masterplan being prepared, or planning application submitted.” He added: “Before any development plan can be formed or accepted, further historical and archaeological research must be conducted to examine the possible deployment options and confirm the extent of the battlefield to be preserved. Mr McVittie also called for an up to date review of all evidence, to produce an agreed position on where the armies stood. In a report to councillors, a spokesman for the planning office said site developers would be required to produce a battlefield conservation plan.