Durham's "Scottish Soldiers" Project

/ Dunbar/

The University of Durham has consulted the Trust over plans for the future of the remains found on university ground which it recently confirmed as belonging to soldiers captured at Dunbar in 1650.

The Scottish Soldiers project team discovered the partial remains of at least 17 people during archaeological excavations ahead of building works between Durham Castle and Cathedral. It is believed that the discovery is just a fraction of a burial pit which may have held around 1600 Scottish prisoners who died during their incarceration on the site after Cromwell's victory at Dunbar.

You can find out more about what has been discerned from the remains here: https://www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology/research/projects/europe/pg-skeletons/

The Trust commended the Durham team and gave its support to further analysis of the remains ahead of fitting reburial and commemoration. We have also expressed our wish for a suitable monument to be raised at the site of the burial pit, where the friends and comrades of these unfortunate people still lie.

Battle at Bannockburn avoided

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Two weeks ago we heard some worrying proposals for a major development around the site of events on the first day of the Battle of Bannockburn 1314.

We're relieved to say that after a consultation event, attended by friends in the Battlefields Trust and from the National Trust for Scotland, it appears the Stirling Council are currently keen to see that the integrity of the Milton Ford area is maintained.

We will keep our ears open nonetheless, but it seems in the meantime that a feared threat has been avoided.

IF YOU KNOW OF A BATTLEFIELD WHICH NEEDS SUPPORT, then contact us.