CAMPAIGNERS have announced plans to spend up to £15 million purchasing and redeveloping a Grade A-listed mansion where Bonnie Prince Charlie made his headquarters in 1746.
Bannockburn House, which sits in extensive private grounds near the M9 on the outskirts of Stirling, is subject to a bid for a community buy-out.
The now-dilapidated mansion, occupied only by caretakers for the past 40 years, is said to have been commissioned in 1675.
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In 1746, after the Battle of Culloden, the Jacobite-supporting owner, the third Baronet Sir Hugh Paterson, a relative of the Jacobite commander the Earl of Mar, entertained The Young Pretender, Charles Edward Stuart, there.
The prince caught a fever and was nursed back to health by Sir Hugh’s niece Clementina Walkinshaw, who would go on to become his lover and the mother of his only child.
The house was put up for sale for £1.25 million after the current owner, octogenarian businessman Peter Drake, won a court order for vacant possession.
Plans for the mansion include an equestrian centre and stables, a health and wellness centre, a visitors centre, a spacious amphitheatre, a glass conservatory and a series of incubator units for local businesses and workshops for artists and craftsmen.
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It is hoped the historic property could be run on the same model as 14th-century Callendar House in Falkirk, now a major cultural centre and museum.
Campaigners are also being advised on funding options by Ergadia Museums and Heritage and the Luing Consultancy.
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Local SNP councillor Alasdair MacPherson, who is part of the recently formed trust, said:“The proposals are only initial ideas that will need to be discussed in detail with the community at a later date. They are without doubt very ambitious."
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