THE sgian dubhs blade, traditionally worn with Highland dress, will be allowed at next year's Battle of Bannockburn festival after bosses back tracked on health and safety fears.

Organisers of Bannockburn Live were met with anger when they announced the blade, which is exempt from laws surrounding the carrying of weapons, would be banned at the festival.

Clan chiefs claimed organisers had gone "over the top" in their restrictions.

However, the group responsible for the festival, which includes the National Trust for Scotland, event organisers Unique Events, Stirling Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland, have now U-turned, as long as those wearing them leave them in their scabbards at all times.

The festival, which will mark Robert the Bruce's victory over the English in 1314, is expected to attract about 45,000 people over three days in June 2014.

David McAllister, the National Trust for Scotland's director of the Battle of Bannockburn Project, said: "We have listened and we have acted."