The new visitor centre at the site of the battle of Bannockburn, set to be built to mark the 700th anniversary has been awarded Lottery funding of almost £4 million.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced a grant of £3,940,300 for the Battle of Bannockburn project, which is to be completed by 2014.

Historic Scotland is providing a £5 million grant to fund the development, and will work with the National Trust for Scotland to deliver the project.

The new centre is hoping to increase visitor numbers to the site from an annual total of 65,000 to 85,000, with an estimated 100,000 expected in the first year it is open.

When construction work for the new centre at Bannockburn is confirmed, it will create an unrivalled experience for the thousands of people who visit the battle ground every year while affording dignity to this important historic site. 

Ground-breaking technology will be used to give visitors a true sense of the battle, from the social history of the time to medieval war craft. People will be able to interact with 3D digital images as never before, experiencing graphics which will respond with movement and commentary. Visitors will also have the chance to play their part in the battle and apply their newly acquired knowledge of tactics and weaponry to influence the outcome.

Key battlefield monuments will be repaired and the setting improved, including the A-listed rotunda that is located at the site of the historic Borestone, where Robert the Bruce raised his standard at the start of the battle. The landscape will also be enhanced to re-establish important historic views, such as to Stirling Castle, which was the objective of the battle.

The National Trust of Scotland has been advised by a panel of academics to ensure rigour and scholarship in telling the authentic story of the site where the Visitor Centre is set to be complete for the 700th anniversary.

Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, added: “This is a ground-breaking project for Scotland and for the heritage sector. With this new facility, Bannockburn will be able to inspire visitors of all ages with an experience that reflects the cultural significance of this battle site. Even young people whose daily lives are filled with technology, from phones to games consoles, will be astounded by the interpretation as they enjoy learning about our past. I am delighted that it is our heritage which is providing an international showcase for the cutting-edge technology being developed here while also giving us a visitor centre which will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s culture, society and economy.”

Good news for the new centre – what do you think? Have your say here on s1bannockburn