A nationalist MSP has claimed the Scottish Government made the “wrong decision” by upholding an appeal for a controversial housing development next to a historic battlefield.
Mike MacKenzie said “insufficient consideration” was given to the proximity of Culloden Moor when deciding to give the go ahead for plans to build 16 houses at Viewhill Farm, Balloch.
The Highlands and islands list MSP said he had a lot of sympathy for people across the region who are up and arms about the decision – a move that sparked a protest outside the Scottish Parliament.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government has insisted it valued the site but said the application for houses was on land outside the conservation area designated by Highland Council.
He added that the proposal tabled by Inverness Properties did not affect any of the land managed by the National Trust for Scotland which was more than 800 yards away from the site at its closest point.
While the government cannot do so, anyone wishing to overturn the decision has six weeks from the date of the decision to lodge a challenge with the Court of Session. However in the case of Viewhill Farm, the reporter issued a “notice of intention” and stated that the decision would formally be issued at a later date. It was expected this month but has still not materialised.
But Mr MacKenzie said: “I think it was the wrong decision and I feel that insufficient consideration was given to the proximity of the battlefield.
“You have to very careful because these are very special sites and I have spoken to people whose descendents died there so you have pay great respect.
“I feel that battlefields are quite special places – Culloden being the last battle fought on UK soil – so I am sympathetic to the people who are concerned.”
Mr MacKenzie said: “I have spoken to Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop and have been assured that the government is going to improve protection for those kind of areas for the future so maybe some good will come out of this in the longer run.
“I feel it was an unfortunate decision but not so significant that it would blight the tourist experience.”