HISTORIC Scotland is expected to receive hundreds of letters of protest over its decision not to oppose the building of a electrical substation on part of the Battle of Prestonpans site.

The Coastal Regeneration Alliance community group has asked members to sign and send a letter to the agency demanding to know why they took the stance, and urging them to pledge a “more robust position” on any future plans for the site.

Now the group is targeting Ian Walford, chief executive of Historic Scotland, with letters after they were angered by agency’s decision not to object to the Inch Cape Offshore Windfarm plans to build a substation.

It follows revelations that Historic Scotland had initially objected to the substation, but withdrew opposition after Inch Cape scaled down its plans.

Planning permission for the substation was given by East Lothian Council’s planning committee earlier this month.

The letters being sent to the agency’s chief executive state: “The performance of Historic Scotland in this regard is, in my opinion, unacceptable and the reasons given for the effective withdrawal of opposition are insufficient.” A spokesman for Historic Scotland said it stood by its decision.

He said: “We are satisfied that our position and conduct throughout has been of the highest professional standards, and entirely in line with the guidelines set out in Scottish Historic Environment Policy.”