The descendant of a soldier who fought in the Battle of Killiecrankie has added his voice to calls to protect the site.
Donald Cameron is backing campaigners in their fight against Transport Scotland plans to build a dual carriageway over the Perthshire battlefield as part of a £3 billion plan to upgrade the A9.
Mr Cameron, a direct descendant of Ewen Cameron of Locheil, who commanded the clan at the battle in the 1689 Jacobite rebellion, visited the site on Friday.
The Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “I am very keen to get behind this campaign, partly because of the major role that the Camerons played in the famous battle at Killicrankie, but also because of its wider significance in the history of the Jacobite risings.
“While I have always agreed that dualling improvements to the A9 are needed, we must also respect our cultural heritage.
“It would be a great shame for future generations if this important historical site was damaged.”
A public inquiry, sparked by 183 objections to the route, is expected to be held after archaeological surveys are complete.
The A9 Perth to Inverness trunk road already cuts through the battlefield but historians say Transport Scotland’s proposed route for a dual carriageway will run too close to key historic locations.
Mr Cameron was joined at the site by fellow Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife.
He said: “The visit focused on the economic impact of tarmacking over key parts of the battlefield.
“The hit US TV show Outlander was recently in the area filming and the potential of this site to benefit from screen tourism is significant.
“Ultimately, Killiecrankie is a site of huge historic importance and I enjoyed visiting with Donald, who has family links to the battlefield, to see first-hand what could be lost if the current route is approved without proper consultation.”
The battle of Killiecrankie was fought on July 27 1689 between a Jacobite army and a government army commanded by General Hugh Mackay. The foes came face to face as both were attempting to reach Blair Atholl to use it as a base for future operations. The Jacobites are thought to have lost 800 men in the battle, with around 2,000 government casualties.
Members of the Killiecrankie 1689 campaign group say the work will drive away tourists who visit the battlefield, along with other key Jacobite sites including Glenfinnan and Culloden.
Campaigner George MacLean said: “Visitors are arriving in Scotland in increasing numbers, attracted by our unique mix of scenery, history and heritage.
“VisitScotland excels at promoting our image but Scotland is poor at protecting real historic assets, such as the site of this important battle.”
“We know the position of the armies immediately before battle commenced and we know how the inferior Jacobite numbers overwhelmed the government troops.
“Much of the success was due to the shock of a terrifying Highland Charge, led by the veteran Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.”
