Dolphinstone Farm, Prestonpans

Client: RNA Energy

Location: East Lothian, Scotland

Sector: Renewables

Services Provided:

• Archaeological Consultancy

• Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment

This desk-based assessment was undertaken to inform a planning application for a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) on farmland in Prestonpans. The study site lay within the designated site of the Battle of Prestonpans, which took place on 21st September 1745. It was the first significant engagement of the Jacobite rising led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) against the government army under Sir John Cope. The battle lasted less than 30 minutes with a convincing victory by the Jacobites. The actual battlefield is located c.1km to the north-east of the study site and the closest activity to the study site was the road that runs just to the south along which the Jacobite troops were initially deployed. The study site also does not contain any key features of the battlefield or landscape characteristics relating to the battle, nor did it play a role in either the battle or the subsequent rout. This evidence tied in with the lack of visibility between the battlefield and the study site demonstrates that the proposed development presents no harm to the significance of the designated battlefield. Furthermore, it is considered that there is low potential for archaeological remains dating to the prehistoric to medieval periods to be present within the study site.