FORMER East Lothian MP John Home Robertson is backing a bid to brew medieval beer by growing ancient crops on the fields of a famous battle. The Battle of Prestonpans Trust has launched a bid to take over the lease of agricultural fields by offering £1 above the rent requested. The trust lost out to sprouts when the fields were first offered for lease by East Lothian Council two years ago after it tendered a bid below the asking price. This time around, the annual rent has doubled from £5,000 to £10,000 and the trust is ready to offer £10,001. And it has revealed ambitious plans to join up with a local farmer and Mr Home Robertson to grow bere crops on part of the fields to make beer at a local brewery.
Dolina, who is major figure in the Gaelic cultural world, has been named as a trustee. Her appointment comes as the trust works to promote Gaelic language and culture, alongside funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Dolina has a long career in singing, broadcasting and writing. She said: “I’m delighted to be involved with the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Trust and provide a way of raising awareness of the importance of Gaelic language and culture in the legacy of the battle. “The project being developed is a great example of drawing people together to share Gaelic as part of our shared culture.”