Join the Debate: Campaign to safeguard medieval heritage
- Mark Huitson
- Oct 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 2
Within the history of a dilapidated church, under the peal of its ancient bells, is the human account of two individuals struggling to have a discovery, not necessarily accepted, but properly considered by Scotland’s history keepers. Without academic and governmental endorsement, the discovery cannot enter the public record, nor the artefacts potentially retained in a public institution, correctly recognised for what they are, or the church site developed, rather than left to slowly decay through disuse and vandalism. The discovery should be recognised for what it is—a far-reaching benefit—a good news event for Scotland.
The unwanted church was bought to turn into a family home. This can never be. Instead, the owners have spent four years investigating and protecting the artefacts, the church, and site at great personal cost and sacrifice. They do not have limitless resources to protect medieval heritage under immediate threat, or limitless time to wait for pragmatic acceptance by those who are assigned enquiry, protection and understanding of heritage, but who instead choose to ignore fact, for want of something sadly lacking amongst governance—intelligence, courage, and common sense.
Regrettably, it is a familiar story the world-over. Professional academic historians, following a perverse and arrogant universal principle, not accepting any research, challenge, or reveal from whom they deem ‘amateur’. Despite two learned people dedicating four years of their lives to find out the truth of their bought heritage, presenting their discovery in a commendable and peerless investigation, they find themselves intentionally frustrated by arrogance and obduracy.
Much of the value of history is in revenue. Income generated by Scotland’s historic environment in 2017-18 was over £4bn and attracted millions of visitors. Heritage is important to local communities, and sites provide a sense of a special identity and commercial benefit. The recognition of the site at Holywood as a Templar house, with the remnants of his church, basements, history, and facsimiles of a Templar master’s bells will provide a huge draw, promoting a region of Scotland in need of more commercial enterprise.
Thus, a campaign has been forced upon the owners of a historic church under threat, not only to bring the evidence before the public and circumvent academic prejudice, but to bring tremendous lasting benefit to the local community and illumination of medieval history, hidden for want of the correct record.
How you can help
Join the debate: The campaign aims to circumvent professional academic discrimination by creating a platform for open debate and discussion. Join the conversation, share your thoughts and insights, and help build a large community of active supporters.
Consider the facts: On this site is the full investigative report for you to consider the evidence for yourself, measured against previous Victorian theory, weak governmental audit, and the opinion of specialist academics. We ask you to share both your opinion and our report within your own social networks.
Read the journey: Click the link to find Hidden in Plain Sight, Unmasking Scotland first Knights Templar: A chronicle from 2019 to 2023, charting the issues around the research and the reception by the professional academic historical sector. All royalties go towards supporting the campaign and securing the artefacts and the site whilst the campaign progresses.
Sign the petition: Help us quantify support, so we can demonstrate the strength of feeling of those who care for historical truth, more than the professional academic’s preservation of their view over any challenge.
Watch the video: Share, like and subscribe. Help us reach a larger audience, bring them to the website so they can engage with the evidence and join the debate.
Funding: We are in desperate need of investment to preserve Scottish heritage from dereliction, maintain security for the site and the artefacts, and run the campaign. Investors can expect to share in the wealth of the discovery, and a very healthy return for their support, once a new keeper/s are found for the bells. Contact us at info@hiddenheritage.info.
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Engage with us. Email us at info@hiddenheritage.info if you have questions or are able to offer your services in assistance.
