New £5 million visitor centre planned for Bannockburn

• The statue of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn

Historic Scotland, which is funding the development, will work with the National Trust for Scotland to deliver the project.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said today that the centre would be a "world class visitor attraction".

And it is hoped the new centre could increase visitors to the famous site from an annual total of 65,000 to 85,000, with an estimated 100,000 expected in the first year it is open.

Ms Hyslop said: "This project will deliver a world class visitor attraction with a immersive digital experience that will give visitors a real flavour of the battle.

"We believe it will set new standards for Scotland's tourism industry, generate significant additional income for the local economy and increase visitor numbers."

The minister went on: "During the second year of homecoming in 2014, Scotland plays host to the Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup - our country will be on an international platform - and this project will allow us to celebrate our heritage and promote Scotland as a tourist destination to the world.

"A new visitor centre will bring a leading edge digital interpretation to the Battle of Bannockburn when it opens in 2014 and establish the site's position as one of the most historically and culturally important places in Scotland during the Battle's 700-year anniversary."

The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 is one of the most famous in Scotland's history, with Robert the Bruce defeating the forces of English King Edward II.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland said: "Bannockburn is one of Scotland's most significant sites and we want to ensure that everyone understands this place's part in the development of the nation.

"As the conservation charity charged with its care, we have a responsibility to ensure that the legacy of the events that occurred here lives on and is recognised by future generations.

"We are very excited by the possibilities as we embark on this new and ambitious partnership project and look forward to working with Stirling Council, community representatives and others to ensure that

Bannockburn and central Scotland's many historic sites play their part in telling the story of Scotland."