A9 works will involve Killiecrankie treasure hunt

HIDDEN treasures from the Battle of Killiecrankie could be unearthed as part of work to dual the A9, transport minister Derek Mackay said today.

People mark the 325th anniversary of the Battle of Killiecrankie last year. Picture: Stuart Cobley

A metal detecting survey will form part of preparations for construction of the road near the pass north of Pitlochry.

Mr Mackay, who launched a series of exhibitions of the plans, said: “Previous finds here at Killiecrankie include the first grenades used on a battlefield in the UK.

“There is every chance of more of these types of finds, which could shed new light on the battle.”

Iain Reid, interim chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which owns the battlefield site, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity as, hopefully, the survey will uncover artefacts and new information that will allow us to understand more about the events of 27 July 1689.”

The battle saw the rout of a government army by Jacobite troops under John Graham of Claverhouse, 1st Viscount of Dundee.

The archaeological survey is expected to start by early July, with any finds to be displayed at the NTS visitor centre.