SCOTS actor Brian Cox has backed plans to mark the anniversary of the battle of Prestonpans.
Mr Cox, who is a patron of the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, wants to safeguard the battle site and create a major visitor centre.
The Trust has organised a three-day programme of events and celebrations to mark the 263rd anniversary this
month.
A conference on Thursday September 18 at Prestonpans Community Centre will give details of the largest-ever archaeological study of the battle, due to start next month. This will be followed by two days of arts activities, reenactments and celebrations on Friday and Saturday.
Mr Cox said: "It's good to see the Battle of Prestonpans campaign progressing so well and finally getting some of the attention it deserves.
"It's also good to see activities that help make history relevant to our children and young people. Reenactments and stories are great fun and help bring past events to life."
"Hopefully the archaeology will teach us more about what happened on that fateful day in 1745. Although it was a glorious victory for the Highlanders, we mustn't forget that many lives were lost and divided loyalties created hav-oc in families for generations.
The celebrations will include a performance of the specially commissioned play The Battle of Pots 'n' Pans, following its sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The full article contains 234 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
