Scottish Ministers have written to the Highland Council, saying that two planning applications – regarding sites located near the historic Culloden Battlefield – should be notified to them.

In a statement, the Government said that in the event that the Highland Council wishes to approve the proposed applications for residential development, they will now need to notify Ministers of the plans in the first instance.

The move will allow Ministers will the opportunity to consider whether the developments raise issues of national significance that would cause the applications to be called in for a decision to be taken at a national level as opposed to a local authority level.

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Planning Minister Derek Mackay explained: "We value our historic battlefields, which tell the story of our nation's past and continue to be a place of interest and importance for Scots and visitors alike.

"This is why we have taken the decision to issue notification directions to the Highland Council should they wish to approve the outstanding planning applications to build homes near Culloden battlefield.

"This direction does not commit Scottish Ministers to calling in any such application, but it does reserve their right to intervene.

"We have also set out proposals that will update Scottish Planning Policy to reflect more recent legislation on the protection and management of battlefields.

"Our draft policy, which we consulted on in 2013, makes it clear that planning authorities should protect, conserve and, where appropriate, seek to enhance the key landscape characteristics and special qualities of sites on the current inventory of historic battlefields.

"The finalised Scottish Planning Policy will be published in June 2014."

(JP/IT)