Welcome boost to Culloden Battlefield's status
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Culloden Battlefield visitor centre has won a “battle” to gain important status that will help managers access funding that is vital for acquiring and protecting artefacts for future generations.
After a year’s hard work by the National Trust for Scotland who run the site outside Inverness, it has been awarded the coveted Museum Accreditation status by Museums Galleries Scotland.
This will also help improve the management of any archaeological finds made on what is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites.
There was considerable world-wide dismay over the past two years when a housing development was allowed on the northern periphery of the battlefield.
National Trust operations manager at Culloden, Raoul Curtis-Machin said: “This is a magnificent achievement for Culloden Battlefield and the team here are absolutely thrilled with the news. We are always working towards a vision where Scotland’s heritage is valued by everyone and protected for future generations and this is a significant step forward in achieving that.
“This accreditation will help us to raise standards of collections management, which involves the development, storage, and preservation of our collection, as well as provide important access to funding for our visitor facilities. This is vital as we progress our plans to protect the landscape of Culloden Moor for future generations.
“We hope this accreditation will help us to encourage visitors to connect with the things that make Scotland unique, through our exhibition, our guided battle tours, and our fascinating events programme. We are open all year and our dedicated team all do what we do for the love of Scotland, knowing that we are helping to protect it for future generations.”
The accreditation means that the battlefield can now make claim to any archaeological discoveries found there rather than by Highland Council.
The visitor centre features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict, and explain the complexities and tragedy of this battle which took place on April 16, 1746.
Among Culloden events planned for 2019 include the battle’s anniversary event, April 12-16, and the annual Community Thank You Day in November.
