NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 27 November 2009 MURDO CALLS FOR NEW BANNOCKBURN HERITAGE CENTRE Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has renewed his call on the SNP Government to spearhead a funding drive for a new Bannockburn Heritage Centre during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on ‘Scotland and its History’. Murdo wants to see a new and improved centre - fit to reflect the importance of the battle – to be built and opened in time for the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014. In the debate, Murdo Fraser said in the Chamber: “The centre at Bannockburn is in need of a facelift and I have raised with the Scottish Government the hope that it will consider assisting an improvement of that facility as we approach the 700th anniversary of the battle.” Commenting afterwards, Murdo Fraser added: “I want the SNP Government to spearhead a five-year drive to fund-raise and build a new and interactive visitor centre at Bannockburn. The National Trust for Scotland has done so much for the site and I commend their work to protect and promote Bannockburn. The Battle of Bannockburn was where Robert the Bruce led a significant Scottish victory against the English on the 24th June 1314 during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It is of national importance to Scotland and in five years’ time we will mark the 700th anniversary of this battle. It will be fitting for Bannockburn to have a new and ambitious Heritage Centre that can retell the story and events of that era.” ENDS   back to top of page