Plan for 'trotting track' at Bannockburn thrown out by Ministers
They have now rejected the scheme, saying it would have 'a significant adverse effect' on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place.
The news has been welcomed by Scotland's largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), who has vociferously opposed the development.
The Trust has previously claimed that the planning process had been flawed and that Stirling Council should not have given its approval to the scheme, given its visual and other impacts on the historic battlefield.
The Battle of Bannockburn, fought in June 1314, saw Robert the Bruce and his Scots army defeat the English troops led by King Edward II.
Members of the public visit the Robert the Bruce statue (Image: Jeff J Mitchell) The proposed development would have parking for more than 200 cars and access roads within view of the battle site.
NTS claimed the trotting track, car parking, fencing and buildings, would have been directly visible from the Rotunda, which acts as a national monument to commemorate the battle
Stirling Council approved the application in July last year despite many objections and it was subsequently 'called in' by Scottish Ministers.
READ MORE: 'Deeply flawed': Heritage watchdogs slam horse track plan for Bannockburn New battle of Bannockburn as heritage custodians fight development
The National Trust for Scotland's Acting Director of Conservation & Policy, Diarmid Hearns, said: 'This is very welcome news for the Trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history. Ministers' conclusions closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield.
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