The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has unveiled plans for the new visitor centre at Culloden which marks the importance of Gaelic.

According to Project Co-ordinator, Alexander Bennett, the new centre will be an exemplar of how the language can be used and promoted as an important and distinctive component of Scotland’s cultural heritage.

“The Battle of Culloden signalled the end of the clan system and the continued repression of the Gaelic language. Given the high proportion of Gaelic speakers who fought on both sides at the Battle, we felt it was important that Gaelic play a pivotal role in the interpretation of Culloden.

“Plans for the new centre are groundbreaking and will offer both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speaking visitors a unique and stimulating experience and opportunity to engage with the language. Both in the new centre and on the restored battlefield visitors will be surrounded by Gaelic. You’ll be able to hear and read it and Gaelic music will feature strongly throughout the new centre.

“Visitors will also be able to follow the story of Gaelic-speaking characters who were involved in the events of Culloden and the aftermath and take a Gaelic tour of the battlefield.

The plans to promote Gaelic at Culloden also include developing a Gaelic education programme which will be launched with the new centre next year.

The NTS has been working closely with a number of Gaelic organisations to develop a strategy to promote the use of Gaelic at Culloden and has built up a productive relationship with Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Allan Campbell, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig has been pleased to be involved with NTS in the planning of the Gaelic content of the new visitor centre at Culloden, and it applauds the recognition that has correctly been accorded to the language in the new visitor experience.

“The Bòrd congratulates NTS for its innovative approach to the exhibition design, and it looks forward to the opening of a world class facility with Gaelic at its core. It is particularly pleasing to welcome the educational resource which the new centre and the exhibition will provide for the benefit of people of all ages.”