A PROJECT to introduce Gaelic signs in and around Prestonpans has hit a road bump after Transport Scotland turned it down.

The Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust had launched a major initiative to have bilingual street and footpath signs, in English and Gaelic, installed throughout the town.

But when it asked the Government agency for support, it was rejected.

And when East Lothian Council tried to help, it was also knocked back after it was revealed the agency had a final say on bilingual signage on any road in Scotland – though a spokeswoman for the organisation denied this was the case.

Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, founding trustee of the Battle Trust, said the initiative to change the signs was “authentically justifiable”.

He said most of the Highlanders who joined Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 spoke Gaelic, and among those who witnessed the events and recorded them was one of Scotland’s greatest Gaelic poets, Alasdair MacMhaigstir Alasdair.

Gordon said: “Our commitment to Gaelic is to seek authentic ways to raise awareness through its transparent use.

“We firmly believe by making our contribution in this way to raise awareness and interest, our community will have growing respect for the Gaelic language.” The trust had been in discussions with East Lothian Council and Bord na Gaidhlig – the Gaelic board – about changing local town signs and introducing an interpretation board in both languages at the main battlefield viewpoint on the Meadowmill Bing.

East Lothian Council agreed to change the sign at Meadowmill directing visitors to the battlefield view; but despite the fact the sign is not on a trunk road, which would be governed by Transport Scotland, it was revealed the agency’s permission was still needed.

A council spokeswoman said: “We need permission from Transport Scotland for the installation of any bilingual road signs.

“We have written to them and they have declined to give their permission.” Last week the trust was visited by Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, the Minister for Scotland’s Languages, who was shown the work to promote Gaelic in the town.

The issue of the signs was expected to be raised with the Minister.

Last week, a spokeswoman for Transport Scotland denied local authorities needed its permission to put up bilingual signs on their own roads.

She said: “Ministers’ policy for bilingual signage on the trunk road network is to introduce it on strategic routes which lead directly to Western Isles ferry ports.

“The trust has been made aware that local authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of local roads. This includes considering the use of bilingual signage.”