The Culloden Walk

[Mike1]

Graham, to some extent, I have to agree with you.

I would like to see the National Trust become more involved with other historic sites, rather than dump so much money into the Culloden Visitor's Centre. I don't want to take anything away from Drummossie Moor's place in history, but there are other historic sites that are being virtually ignored.

Some of that money would be nicely spent in the efforts to keep the power pylons from desecrating the battlefield at Sheriffmuir. Not only would the pylons create an absolute eyesore in such a beautiful area, but there is no way of knowing what would be disturbed as the pylons were erected. The path of the pylons would also take them right past Abbey Craig, so visitors to the Wallace Monument would be able to 'enjoy' the addition to the scenery.

Rab, I would also like to see more employment of locals at the historic sites. It's amazing to discover how many guides are hired from outwith Scotland.

Hmmm, I best quit with the ranting...

[slohairt]

Dia Dhuit!

Such is the way in many places it seems. When I returned to my native County Donegal I remember visiting Donegal town (which is very pretty and mediaeval-looking), standing upon a high vantage point, and groaning at the first thing I saw that stuck out like a sore thumb: A Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant!

[auld argonian]

...and if you want to read more about it, we recommend a related book:

http://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-histor...e=UTF8&s=books

Wait for the US National Parks to sell naming rights.

Mount Rainier...brought to you by Cingular!

Best

AA

[macwilkin]

Well I wonder why on earth they need a $USD3.6m visitors centre.
I thought the one I saw a year ago was quite adequate.
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of the stones, but a fancier visitors' centre does nothing to enhance the experience of being at Culloden for me.

I can't speak for Culloden, but as someone who has worked as a park ranger, sometimes new facilities are needed, like a visitor center, to house and store artifacts in a "climate-controlled atmosphere", to provide greater display space for such artifacts, and to improve and update existing displays and interpretive text in the light of new research. Not to mention if a facility is 20-30 years old just basic repair and making the visitor's experience more valuable.

Visitor Centers, INHMO, are a valuable "first contact" point for those who may not have any idea about the site they are visiting -- and believe you me, I meet a lot of folks who have no idea about the Civil War, let alone our particular battlefield.

Regards,

Todd

[Graham]

Todd, point taken, I like visitors centres, and while I have to say I don't know the whole story....I just thought the one they had there was OK, it is quite large and spacious from memory.

Come on David, you were there with me, what do you think?? (not that anything we say will change the situation).
I agree with Mike, there is so much restoration to be done on historic buildings, I wonder about the spending.

[Hamish]

As an avid supporter of, and voluntary worker for, The National Trust (England & Wales) I have placed an order for a single stone for The National Trust for Scotland's Culloden Walk.