Scotland's famous battlefields protected

Philiphaugh in the Borders, the site of a battle in 1645, is one of the 17 sites included in the first phase of the inventory of battlefields

Historic Scotland has issued a list of the most important battle sites located around the country.

The first phase of the Inventory of Historic Battlefields contains a total of 17 different locations.

It includes sites in the Borders, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, North Lanarkshire, Stirling and East Lothian.

The inventory aims to highlight the historic significance of the areas to planning authorities making decisions which could affect their landscape.

Historic Scotland said the list included the nation's "most significant and iconic battlefields".

It also provides information to aid their protection, management, interpretation and promotion.

The public has until 11 February next year to comment on the inventory.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Many legendary battles took place in Scotland and the famous figures who fought in them, such as Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn and Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden, are known around the world.

"The Inventory of Historic Battlefields will help increase general awareness of historic battlefields throughout Scotland and the contribution they make to understanding our history and landscape."

She said the sites made a "distinctive contribution" to the "sense of place and history, both locally and nationally".

"They are a wonderful resource for education, helping us understand why significant events in our history unfolded as they did and provide a tangible link to some of the key figures of Scottish history," she added.

"Not only do battlefields form an important part of our sense of identity, they also have enormous potential for attracting tourists, as well as for general recreation, allowing visitors to experience the site of a dramatic historical event for themselves.

"We want to make sure that these important battlefields are looked after now and for future generations. "

Dr Tony Pollard, director of the centre for battlefield archaeology at Glasgow University, said compiling the inventory had been a "challenging but incredibly rewarding project".

"We have an incredible wealth of battlefields in Scotland and it is vital that we consider them alongside other elements of our cultural heritage," he said.

"It is important that people engage in this process and demonstrate their own feelings about what can be very fragile landscapes.

"We may not be able to preserve these sites in aspic but, more so than ever, in a restless world which places increasing demands on natural resources and space, they have much to teach us.

"What is needed is the desire to learn."