Culloden Academy pitch site plans examined
A PROPOSAL to lay a synthetic all-weather games pitch (AWP) on the sports field beside Culloden Academy is the first part of a multimillion-pound masterplan to build a new bigger school.
Highland Council has, through an agent, lodged a planning application to create a 7205sq m pitch with associated fencing and lights.
Two special reports have been commissioned because of the potentially sensitive nature of the location, not far from Culloden Battlefield and Culloden House.
A cultural heritage setting assessment was commissioned by Morrison Construction on behalf of the council to “inform several proposals” for developments within and adjacent to Culloden Academy.
Similarly, Highland Historian: Heritage Consultancy and Bespoke Tour Guiding with Andrew Grant McKenzie was appointed to research the potential for human remains to be present on the site as well as historical events that may have related archaeological evidence, such as sieges of Culloden House and mustering of troops in the lead up to the battle, and the architectural and landscaping phasing of Culloden House and the site area.
The masterplan for the long term redevelopment of Culloden Academy proposes construction in three phases and the eventual demolition of the current school building.
The proposed developments lie within an offshoot of the designated battlefield at Culloden as well as the designed landscape of Culloden House.
A consultation was held in January into the plans.
Parents raised concerns earlier this week that progress is not being made swiftly enough on the redevelopment plan for the overcrowded school.
