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.
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)
Construction News
07/05/2014
Ministers To Be Notified Of Culloden Applications

11/07/2025
Scottish Canals has announced that it is now halfway through its significant engineering programme on the Falkirk Flight of the Forth & Clyde Canal, an ambitious project spanning from locks 3 to 16.
This undertaking represents the biggest single investment in Scotland's canals since the Millennium

11/07/2025
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the elite line-up of finalists for SkillBuild 2025, bringing the nation's most promising construction trainees and apprentices one step closer to being crowned the best in their trade. Recognised as the largest and longest-running industr

11/07/2025
The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project has confirmed a temporary adjustment to working hours at its converter station site near Boddam, Peterhead.
This strategic decision is designed to facilitate crucial construction activities and ensure the timely delivery of this nationally significant energy

11/07/2025
Aberdeen-based manufacturer Nexos has announced a significant boost to its operations, with its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team securing £8 million in new contracts since January this year.
This latest achievement follows a period of substantial growth for the firm, which re

11/07/2025
Glasgow-based construction firm CCG (Scotland) Ltd is celebrating a significant achievement as three of its landmark residential developments have been shortlisted as finalists for the prestigious RICS UK Awards 2025.
This year marks the first time the awards have operated on a fully national form

11/07/2025
The Scottish Government has today launched a significant new initiative, the £2 million Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Market Readiness Fund for 2025-26, signalling a clear commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of Scotland's road freight sector. The fund is specifically designed to encourage col

10/07/2025
RJ McLeod has officially begun construction works at the site of £155million Mill Rig Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire, a major milestone for onshore wind set to power approximately 45,000 homes annually.
Developed by UK renewables specialist OnPath Energy, the 33.4 MW onshore wind project is expecte

10/07/2025
Work has now officially commenced on the highly anticipated £6.7 million community facility in Milton, Glasgow, which will become the new, modern home for Scaraway Nursery and the vital local charity, North United Communities (NUC).
This state-of-the-art development is slated for completion by sum

10/07/2025
Construction of Bishopbriggs' new £31.5 million Balmuildy Primary School has taken a significant step forward as essential enabling works commence this summer, strategically timed during the school holidays to minimise disruption.
These preparatory activities will pave the way for the main build t

10/07/2025
Cumbernauld's urban landscape is poised for a significant transformation following the green light and nearly £3 million in funding for a new five-year wildlife restoration project.
Titled 'Nurturing Natural Connections', the initiative promises extensive tree planting and wildflower sowing, aimin