Reviewing the Inventory record for the Battle of Pinkie

From 10 November to 22 December 2021, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on revisions to the inventory battlefield record for the Battle of Pinkie (September 1547).

The Battle of Pinkie was fought across the area of coastal plain now mainly agricultural land and the settlements of Musselburgh, Wallyford, Carberry and Whitecraig in East Lothian. Pinkie is believed to be the largest single battle ever fought in Scotland in terms of the numbers of combatants involved.

Further details can be accessed on our Heritage Portal.

We received four responses. None of the responses called into question the importance of the battlefield. They raised points in relation to the detail of the record, covering aspects such as the events of the battle, surviving features in the landscape, documentary evidence, and use of maps to illustrate the battle. 

After considering the comments received during the consultation, we have made updates to the inventory record.

We also undertook further research to take account of feedback. On the basis of this work, we consider that the existing inventory area of interest defined by the boundary does not include sufficient land at the top of Falside Hill to account for one of the possible locations of the English army. To remedy this, we are proposing a revision to the south-eastern boundary.

We are organising a second consultation to provide opportunities for stakeholders who may be affected to comment on this proposed change.

Download the Report of Handling and comment on the second consultation from our Heritage Portal.