Latest news with #RoberttheBruce
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Hidden gem Scottish loch once witnessed brutal battle for country's independence
The hidden gem is a small but stunning Lowlands loch hidden in the Galloway Hills Tucked away in the heart of the Galloway Hills, Loch Trool might not have the fame of its Highland cousins, but it's every bit as breathtaking. This narrow stretch of water in Dumfries and Galloway is a hidden gem of the Lowlands, and for those in the know, it's one of Scotland's best-kept secrets. Just eight miles from Newton Stewart, the loch sits in the Southern Uplands, flanked by rugged hills and thick forest. At only 400 metres wide and 1.5 miles long, it may be modest in size, but its appeal is anything but small, Scottish Daily Express reports. Visitors can enjoy a 5.5-mile circular walk that takes around three hours to complete, winding through ancient woodland, along hillside tracks, and beside peaceful shores. The route is part of the Southern Upland Way and offers picture-perfect views from start to finish. Online reviews paint the loch as a peaceful haven. One walker on TripAdvisor described it as an 'amazing place to go for a walk or to camp out. Beautiful views, free car park, relaxing time, good sleep in wild.' Others have called the scenery 'stunning' and 'breathtaking'. But Loch Trool isn't just a treat for the eyes, it's also a stargazer's dream. Set within Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park, the loch is said to lie in the darkest area of the UK, according to Wikipedia. It's a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts, so if you do plan a visit after sunset, bring a powerful torch to help you find your way. The loch's atmosphere is made all the more striking by its historical significance. It was here, on the banks of Loch Trool, that Robert the Bruce staged a daring ambush against English forces during the First War of Scottish Independence. In April 1307, Bruce and his band of 300 men took on 1,500 English cavalry under the command of the Earl of Pembroke. Using the narrow path along the water's edge, Bruce's forces dealt heavy damage. It was a turning point in Bruce's campaign and a prelude to his first major victory at the Battle of Loudon Hill just weeks later. Today, the events are commemorated with Bruce's Stone, a massive granite boulder perched on a hill overlooking the north shore. It marks not only a moment of triumph, but a place where history and nature meet in spectacular fashion. How to get there: From Newton Stewart, take the A714 heading north towards Girvan. At Bargrennan, turn right for Glentrool village and follow signs to the Glen Trool visitor centre. Continue past the centre for about 3km and take the first tarred road on your right. This leads to a car park just before a small bridge, your starting point for the walk. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Route highlights: Begin at the car park and follow green waymarkers leading onto the Southern Upland Way. You'll pass Caldons House and remnants of the ancient woodlands that once filled Glen Trool. The trail then climbs through dense conifers on the loch's steep southern side. At the loch's head, cross a bridge and leave the Southern Upland Way to follow the quieter northern shore, meandering through Buchan and Glenhead woods. A short detour will take you to Bruce's Stone before the route loops back to your starting point, making for a rewarding and memorable day out.
STV News
3 days ago
- General
- STV News
Bannockburn battlefield plans refused as ministers overturn council decision
Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a development on the historic Bannockburn battlefield site. Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. PA Media Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the 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'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Bannockburn is famous as the location of Scotland's victory over the English in 1314 (Andrew Milligan/PA) Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the 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'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the 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'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Battle is over at Bannockburn as trotting track plan thrown out
Scottish ministers have refused plans for a controversial trotting track at historic Bannockburn battlefield. Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Heritage chiefs have welcomed a decision by Scottish ministers to overturn planning permission for a development of a trotting track on the historic site of the Battle of Bannockburn. Plans for the track for harness racing have been thrown out after it was ruled the development would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield" where Robert the Bruce led the Scots to victory over Edward II's army in June 1314. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The track was planned on land close to where Robert the Bruce's army faced off against the vanguard of Edward II's men on the first day of the battle. Stirling Council originally approved the plans last July but the decision was criticised by National Trust for Scotland, which spoke of its 'shock and disappointment' that the development was being allowed. That decision has now been overturned at government level after it was found the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the 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'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Parking was also sought for 200 cars at the track, which would have been the first of its kind in the country. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024 with significant support drummed up by NTS in opposition to the proposals. Dr Tony Pollard, an eminent battlefield archaeologist at Glasgow University, said the proposed site could include the scene of one of the most important early encounters in the June 1314 battle, when the English knight Henry de Bohun spotted Robert the Bruce and charged at him with his lance. Bruce, on a much smaller horse, manoeuvred to the side and smashed the knight's helmet and head in two with his battle-axe. The Scots king, who took an enormous risk taking on the fight, is said to have expressed regret only that he had broken the shaft of his favourite axe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad READ MORE: Sunset Song church deep in rural community which inspired novel to be sold While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'.
