A ‘WARGAME’ to illustrate a battle fought in the Musselburgh area more than 400 years ago is being created.

Devised by Dr Jon Cooper, of the University of Glasgow, it is hoped it will enable people to better understand the course of the battle, described as Scotland’s “largest and deadliest conflict”, fought in 1547.

He is one of a team of experts working to shed new light on the historical event – the last pitched battle between Scotland and England.

Renowned historians and archaeologists are partnering the Siege of Haddington Research Group (SHRG), Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Group and Old Musselburgh Club on the initiative.

Led by Dr David Caldwell, the team will explore little-known aspects of the battle, including the location of a key cavalry skirmish and the route taken by both armies.

Drs Elizabeth Rhodes and Vicky Oleksy are also set to discuss their investigations into battlefield archaeology and present their discoveries in public at a seminar in St Clements and St Ninians Church Hall in Wallyford tomorrow (Friday), between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

The seminar is in preparation for the release of a new book, The Battle of Pinkie, 1547: The Last Battle Between the Independent Kingdoms of Scotland and England, written by Drs Caldwell, Oleksy and Rhodes.

Dr Cooper will present a ‘wargame’ map of the battleground at the seminar, using markers to show the movement of armies in and around the landscape.

A spokesperson for the initiative said: “By delving into the mysteries of Pinkie, these experts hope to gain a better understanding of this pivotal moment in Scottish history and the impact it had on the country.”