The central role played by Gaelic speakers in the Battle of Culloden is to be recognised in the new £8m visitor centre at the site.

Fought in 1746, the last major battle on British soil not only brought an end to Bonnie Prince Charlie's dreams, it also heralded the darkest days for the Gaelic language. But now the National Trust for Scotland's plans to underline the importance of Gaelic to the story.

According to Alexander Bennett, NTS's project co-ordinator, the new centre will be an exemplar of how Gaelic can be used and promoted as an important and distinctive component of Scotland's cultural heritage.

He said yesterday: "The Battle of Culloden signalled the end of the clan system and the continued repression of the Gaelic language.

"Given the high proportion of Gaelic speakers who fought on both sides at the battle, we felt it was important that Gaelic play a pivotal role in the interpretation of Culloden.

"Plans for the new centre are groundbreaking and will offer both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speaking visitors a unique and stimulating experience and opportunity to engage with the language You'll be able to hear and read it, and Gaelic music will feature strongly throughout the new centre.

"Visitors will also be able to follow the story of Gaelic-speaking characters who were involved in the events of Culloden and take a Gaelic tour of the battlefield."

The plans to promote Gaelic at Culloden also include developing a Gaelic education programme which will be launched with the new centre next year.

The NTS has been working closely with a number of Gaelic organisations to develop a strategy to promote the use of the language at Culloden and has built up a productive relationship with Bord na Gaidhlig, the statutory development agency for the language.

Allan Campbell, chief executive of Bord na Gaidhlig said: "Bord na Gaidhlig has been pleased to be involved with NTS in the planning of the Gaelic content of the new visitor centre at Culloden, and it applauds the recognition that has correctly been accorded to the language in the new visitor experience.

"It is particularly pleasing to welcome the educational resource which the new centre and the exhibition will provide for the benefit of people of all ages."