The victory was swift and sweet. Over the course of just 15 minutes, in an East Lothian field and against the odds, the first battle of the last Jacobite uprising achieved what had been unthinkable.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, with his lack of battle experience and hastily gathered Jacobite army, was not supposed to rack up a stunning victory over Sir John Cope’s redcoat army.

But as the Battle of Prestonpans raged – for all 900 seconds – the exiled Stuarts stepped closer than they could have imagined to staking a realistic claim to the Scottish throne.

While the shock victory left its mark on history – inspiring the Jacobites to invade England – and went on to influence Scottish culture in song, art and poetry, the battle site has slipped behind Culloden and Bannockburn when it comes to staking a claim to visitors and tourists.

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However, if ambitious plans for a major new visitor centre go ahead, a new generation will be able to not just walk in the footsteps of the Jacobite fighters, but become absorbed in the sights, sounds – even the possibly rancid smells – of the 1745 battle.

The vision for the ‘world class’ visitor centre reveals plans for an immersive experience space designed to bring visitors “intimately close” to events of 1745.

The centre, which is being planned by The Battle of Prestonpans [1745] Heritage Trust, will also include a permanent space to showcase the Prestonpans Tapestry. At 105 metres long the tapestry, which recalls the journey the 25-year-old Bonnie Prince Charlie made from France then through the Scottish Highlands to victory at Prestonpans, is depicted in 104 metre wide embroidered panels and has never before been displayed in one long continuous strip.

Rotating sections of the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, 164m long and featuring panels embroidered in 34 different countries, will also be on display, providing added international appeal for visitors.

A major feature of the planned centre will be Scotland’s first statue of Charles Edward Stuart. Despite being one of Scottish history’s most recognisable figures, there is currently no statue commemorating the Jacobite prince.

It’s planned that the centre will overlook the battlefield site enabling it to “interact” during living history events, and will also act as a hub for cultural events and as a centre of excellence for Jacobite studies.

The plans are contained in the Trust’s new Vision for Victory document which has just been released for public consultation. In it, the Trust says it has already identified potential sites for the centre and has planned a major fundraising drive with a view to it opening in 2023.

It adds that the centre could boost the East Lothian economy and attract up to 100,000 visits each year.

Gordon Prestoungrange, the original Founding Chairman of the Trust, said: “This is a carefully researched and appropriately ambitious plan to mark what is recognised to be a site of national historical significance.

“This vision is the product of years of thought and accumulated experience. The aim is a self-sustaining future to allow the work of the Trust to be enhanced and expanded, and so that the Battle of Prestonpans can be interpreted in a way that befits its significance.

“It will also serve as an important economic asset to the local community, becoming a leading player in East Lothian’s tourism offering.”

According to the Vision for Victory plans, visitors to the centre would be greeted to the site by the statue of the Jacobite Prince before entering an immersive permanent exhibition which aims to put the battle and Jacobite story into context.

Visitors would then be taken on a journey into the heart of a recreated Jacobite army camp, to listen in to the chiefs’ battle plan and follow their march across the marsh to confront the redcoats.

As the fury of battle ensues, visitors will encounter “ambient sounds and smells”, while costumed guides and outdoor living history displays will bring the historic battle to life.

According to the Trust vision “eye-witness testimony, the latest historical and archaeological understanding, and a harmonious combination of both traditional and cutting-edge interpretation techniques, the Battle of Prestonpans will be presented like no other battle in Scotland.”

It adds that the narrative will be presented with balance, and explore both sides of the conflict.

The Trust, which has been producing interactive and living history events connected to the battle since 2006, plans to introduce storytelling and music events, as well as create a base for embroidery sessions and Gaelic language learning. A research library and programme of lectures are also planned.

While the consultation continues, the 275th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans will be marked next year with events including a tour of the Prestonpans Tapestry at venues across the country before it is removed from view for conservation work.

Mr Prestoungrange added: “This vision is no mere dream; it is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the best options for the future. As we approach the 275th anniversary of the battle, this is the ideal time to step up to support this plan.”