Inventory of Historic Battlefields in Scotland

The Inventory of Historic Battlefields is a heritage register listing nationally significant battlefields in Scotland, which is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).^[1] The list of battlefields is intended to guide landowners, developers, local authorities and the Scottish Ministers in the future development of these areas to protect the historic significance and archaeological potential of these sites. The inventory entries summarise historic sources, archaeological evidence and finds, significance, and provide a map defining the extent of the battlefield. Selection criteria used for identifying nationally important sites were: historical association; physical remains and archaeological potential; cultural association; and landscape context.^[2] The inventory is maintained under the terms of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979,^[2] and HES must be consulted on any proposals considered to affect an Inventory battlefield.^[3]

The Inventory was published for consultation in December 2010 by Historic Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Government,^[4] and launched as the Inventory in May 2011.^[5] Seventeen sites were included in the first phase of the inventory, with a number of other sites under consideration for inclusion at a later date.^[6] By the end of 2012 the inventory had expanded to 39 sites.^[5] Since 2015 the list has been maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, which took over the roles and responsibilities of Historic Scotland.^[7]

As of 2025 there are 40 battlefields on the inventory.^[8] The most recent addition was the Battle of Sark, which was listed in 2016.^[9]

• Registered Battlefields (UK)

• Inventory of Historic Battlefields - Historic Environment Scotland
• Scotland’s Inventory of Historic Battlefields - a guide to the inventory (HES)