Falkirk Interpretation another signigficant step up for Scottish Battlefields

Prestonpans delighted to see Falkirk Muir Interpretation success

Ever since the National Inventory of Battlefields in Scotland was initiated by Mike Russell, when he was SNP Culture Secretary in 2009, the 1745 Trust in Prestonpans has argued that 'interpretation is one of the most powerful engines for conservation.' The more well interpreted access is given to our nation's battle sites the more community and nationwide support will be forthcoming for their conservation.

So, it is with the greatest pleasure that the 1745 Heritage Trust in Prestonpans welcomes the completion of the Interpretation at Falkirk Muir - site of the Prince's second great victory over the Hanoverians.



Military victory for The Prince on January 17th 1746

The new Battle of Falkirk Trail, created by the Callendar Estate, takes visitors on a walk through history, to tell the story of the Battle of Falkirk Muir and the people and places connected with the conflict.

It took place on 17 January 1746 and saw the forces of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (around 7,000 men) rout the Hanoverian Government forces (around 8,000 men) led by General Henry Hawley. It turned out to be the largest battle of the '45 Rising, and the penultimate Jacobite battle fought on Scottish soil coming three months before the Prince's eventual defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April.

The Falkirk Muir Trail details ....

Visitors are led along a Trail at Bantaskine on the south side of Falkirk, which is marked by a number of interpretative panels, one of which is shown above, which demonstrate through words and illustrations how the battle panned out. Visitors will also benefit from newly-created seating and paths.

The Trail also forms part of the John Muir Way, which runs from Helensburgh to Dunbar, ensuring excellent opportunities for visitors to learn the details of the battle.

The Battle of Falkirk Trail was developed by Callendar Estate in close association with Falkirk Community Trust, The 1745 Association, the Scottish Battlefields Trust and Falkirk Planning Department.