Hunt for Culloden ancestors

The Trust's Culloden project co-ordinator Alexander Bennett explained more about the search: "We're encouraging young people of school age to carry out some research into their ancestors and find out if they are related to people who actually fought at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.”

"The myth that Culloden was a conflict between England and Scotland is still alive today. In fact, many Scots fought with the Government troops and some families had members who fought on opposing sides, often against their will.

"The Battle of Culloden signalled the end of the clan system and contributed to the exodus of many Highlanders to the new world where they played a significant role in the creation and development of the USA, Australia and Canada.

"We think it's very appropriate that the descendants of those who fought on either side should help us officially open the new centre."

The new centre, which uses modern technology to tell the story of Culloden through accounts of people who lived at the time, opened its doors to the public in December with the official opening due to be held later this year on the anniversary of the battle.

The search for youngsters to open the new centre is being supported by Dr Nick Barratt, of the television series "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Dr Barratt has supplied advice on the Trust's Culloden website - www.nts.org.uk/culloden - for anyone who wants to research their family tree.

He has also agreed to be on the panel to help judge the entries.

Commenting on the search for young people with ancestors who fought in the Battle, he said: "This is an opportunity for generations to come together and explore their shared past. Family trees are the gateway to history. There is something very exciting about seeing past events though ancestors' lives."