A new Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is to open ahead of the 700th anniversary of the historic event in 2014 after receiving planning permission from Stirling Council.

Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are behind the scheme, which has been designed by a team fronted by Edinburgh-based architects Reiach and Hall. Sinclair Knight Merz; Turner and Townsend; and KJ Tait feature as part of the design team for the project, while Bright White and Ian White Associates are also involved.

The Scottish Government has already committed £5m towards the development, while a bid for Heritage Lottery Fund support has reached the first-round pass stage. Stirling Council portfolio holder for economy, tourism and finance Scott Farmer said: "Stirling will be at the heart of so many of the special events taking place in 2014 - above all the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

|We must make sure that we use this unique opportunity to create lasting economic benefits for our whole area. The new Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre will help us do that, strengthening Stirling's 'must see' appeal for visitors from home and abroad."