AN URGENT appeal for help to save an irreplaceable piece of Scotland’s heritage has been made.
Bannockburn House, where Bonnie Prince Charlie once sought refuge, was saved for the nation in 2016 by the biggest community buyout at the time in the UK but its future is in jeopardy, despite the valiant efforts of volunteers.
They have now launched a crowdfunder - which can be found HERE - with a target of £100,000 to preserve the Grade A-listed “marvel” which was recently confirmed to have been the site of an assassination attempt on the Prince that would have changed the course of history.
The bedchamber where he stayed bears the scars of the tumultuous events in 1746. An assassin, missing the mark, left a single musket ball hole in the wall as the Prince lay in his bed.
Covered up and lost to time, this remarkable bit of history lay hidden for a century until it was recently found through detective work by volunteers.
The Prince had arrived at the house in poor shape but was nursed back to health by Clementina Walkinshaw, niece of the house’s owner, and romance blossomed between the two, with Walkinshaw later bearing him a daughter.
Described as an architectural gem, the house was built in the mid 1600s and the ceilings are considered to be some of the finest plasterwork outside Holyrood Palace.
“Its grand architecture and historical significance make it a vital piece of Scotland’s heritage but its importance does not end there,” said a spokesperson.
The site has evidence of habitation and industry going back to almost the 13th century, making the grounds as important as the house.
Situated between the two major roads leading to Stirling Bridge, it has been owned by some of the most important people in Scottish history, including Keeper of the Signet, Sir Hugh Paterson, 1st Baronet of Bannockburn, whose sons were all influential MPs and Jacobites participating in the Risings of 1715 and 1745.
Tartan magnate, Colonel Alexander Wilson of the Wilson weavers of Bannockburn, and William Ramsay of Barnton and Sauchieburn, a director of the Royal Bank of Scotland, owned the house at one point as did Sir James Ramsay Gibson Maitland who, in 1886, founded one of the oldest fish farms in Scotland and was a pioneer in scientific aquaculture.
The estate has also been associated with Sir Robert Drummond, Master of Works to King James VI and Lady Eleanor Douglas daughter of Sir Archibald Douglas, Guardian of Scotland and first wife of Alexander de Brus Earl of Carrick.
After near continuous use since the 17th century, it lay empty from the 1960s until the Trust took ownership of the house and estate in 2017 through the biggest community buyout in the UK. The remarkable achievement was made possible because of a dedicated group of local volunteers, passionate about saving this important part of Scotland’s history.
The Trust, led by a board of local community members, is now supported by an operations manager and over 200 enthusiastic volunteers.
“Our mission is to safeguard the house with its grounds and all the treasured artefacts and architecture within while developing community engagement to benefit the people of Bannockburn, Scotland, and the UK,” said the spokesperson.
“History tours, knitting the famous blue bonnets, speaking to local sewing groups, running events, and engaging with funders are just a few of the ways volunteers work hard to support the needs of the Trust and community,” the spokesperson said.
“However, the relentless march of time threatens to erode this irreplaceable piece of our heritage with structural damage and weathering.
“This is compromising its stability and beauty, putting valuable history and architecture at risk. If we are to preserve the historical integrity of the house and grounds, carry our community mission forward, and continue sharing its stories with future generations, the Trust must act now. The growing list of works, increased costs of materials, and greater cost to operate means we need help.”
The spokesperson said the vision for Bannockburn House “goes beyond mere restoration”.
“We envision a place that ignites community spirit, fosters cultural exploration and serves as a valuable resource for education and local initiatives.
"By helping us to save and restore this historical treasure and supporting us to continue to serve the community, we can create a hub that celebrates heritage, inspires creativity, and connects people from all walks of life.”
