Students help recreate a bloody battle

STUDENTS have joined forces with local drama groups 
to commemorate Scotland’s largely forgotten Battle of Pinkie Cleugh.

The battle between the Scots and English at Pinkie in Musselburgh, which took place in 1547, is thought to be among the bloodiest to have taken place on Scottish soil.

Drama experts at Queen Margaret University said that although historians know at least 10,000 Scots died, most people today are unaware of the battle.

Now students from the university are to help put on a play about the bloodshed, at Musselburgh’s Brunton Theatre.

Irvine Allan, lecturer in drama and performance at Queen Margaret University, said: “The River Esk ran red with the blood of both Scots and English soldiers, yet most people know little or nothing about this fascinating event.

“Our playwright researched and wrote the play in association with the Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Group advisers, to ensure historical accuracy.

“The play is a stunning linguistic, visual and musical commemoration of the event Our students are really proud to be involved.”