COMMUNITIES around historic battlefields in Stirling are being urged to band together and protect sites across the area.

The Scottish Battlefields Trust is urging people and groups to champion and protect sites and is hosting its seventh Scottish Battlefields Symposium this month.

The event will highlight global best practice in the field with the trust actively providing assistance to develop engagement and protection strategies.

There will be presentations and discussions, highlighting case studies from groups representing sites such as The Battle of Dunbar, 12 Towers, Falkirk, Littleferry, Dunkeld and the Rough Wooing Trail.

In Stirling, grass roots communities are being called on to protect the historical sites of the battles of Stirling Bridge – 1297, Bannockburn – 1314, Sauchieburn – 1488, Stirling – 1648 and Sheriffmuir – 1715.

Herbert Coutts MBE, chairman of the Scottish Battlefields Trust, said: “Scotland’s battlefield sites encompass Scottish history in a totally unique way.

“Not only are they hugely significant places at which people have lost their lives, but they mark the turning points of history.

“We were disappointed that MSPs missed the recent opportunity to increase protection for these national treasures and are keen to continue the conversation with representatives from battlefields across the country.

“However, it’s much easier to protect a site or monument that is treasured by local communities and so we’re keen to help sites develop a strategy of engagement.

“I’d urge grass roots champions - groups, communities and individuals - interested in protecting and raising awareness of their local battlefield site to get in touch with Scottish Battlefields Trust for support and to attend our event in November.”

The Scottish Battlefields Symposium will take place on Wednesday, November 17, from 10.30am at The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh and is free to attend.

To attend, or for more information, email info@scottishbattlefields.org.