Writers of all ages are set to get creative and come up with evocative and tragic tales inspired by the Battle of Culloden.

The National Trust for Scotland is launching a competition for potential authors to pen a story inspired by recent archaeological finds at its Culloden Battlefield.

Extensive archaeological work was carried out by the conservation charity as it revamped and restored the battlefield and built a new visitor centre in a £9.5 million project. Many new finds were uncovered as a result, including a Celtic cross pendant and a musket trigger guard.

The conservation charity’s competition ‘Hidden Stories’ which launches on Wednesday 8 October, asks writers to produce stories inspired by these, and the many other, archaeological discoveries made at the site in recent years.

Competition organiser and learning manager at Culloden, Nicole Deufel said:

“Our new visitor centre has transformed the way we tell the story of Culloden. It is so exciting to see visitors inspired by the stories of our interactive characters. We really hope that our recent archaeological finds provide real inspiration to budding writers who can use their imaginations and come up with some very creative stories behind the battle - of the people who took to the field on this historic day, their struggles and their experiences.”

Entrants are invited to send in their stories of less than 1500 words by 21 February 2009. Winners will be selected in the under 14s, 14 – 18 and over 18s categories and entries can be in English or Gaelic and will be invited to read their story at the visitor centre on 18 April 2009, following the annual memorial service.

Further information is available from Nicole on 0844 493 2159 or email ndeufel@nts.org.uk.

Entries should be submitted to:
Nicole Deufel
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
Inverness
IV2 5EU.