Staff 'very disappointed' after disposable BBQs lit at historic Scots battlefield
Workers at a historic Scottish battlefield were left "very disappointed" after thoughtless tourists ignited wildfire fears by lighting two barbecues on the land there.
Staff from the Battle of Bannockburn site, managed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), found two small patches of charred turf where small disposable barbecues had been lit, sparking potential wildfire safety concerns.
The Battle of Bannockburn NTS social media account informed followers of the Sunday morning discovery, posting: "This morning we were very disappointed to discover that some thoughtless visitors have had a barbecue in our park yesterday, burning two big holes in our grass.
"While we welcome you to come and enjoy the sunny weather at our site, we ask that everyone has consideration for others who wish to visit and commemorate two of the most important days in Scotland's history."
The incident occurred just days after the anniversary of King Robert the Bruce's birth on July 11, 1274.
Robert's army triumphed over the English forces at Bannockburn on June 23 and 24, 1314.
The barbecues were also lit just days after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had warned people to "exercise caution" amid the scorching dry conditions.
The extreme danger alert – issued alongside the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remained active from Friday, July 11, until today (Monday).
The warning initially applied to central and eastern regions on Friday before expanding to cover all areas except low-lying zones with green vegetation from Saturday through Monday.
Group Commander Raymond King, a Wildfire Tactical Advisor at the SFRS, said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
"Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
"Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
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