A MEMORIAL to Scottish soldiers who fought at the Battle of Worcester could be erected close to their burial pits.

More than 2,000 Scotsmen, mainly Highlanders, fought and died on the Royalist side during the 1651 Civil War battle.

Now a former Worcester man, living in Scotland, hopes to raise a memorial at Powick Hams, where the Battle of Worcester began.

"There's nothing that mentions the Scottish involvement and it's about time that was changed," said Stephen Maggs, a military historian.

"The vast majority of the Royalist army was Scottish, even though they supported Parliament for most of the war.

"When Cromwell executed Charles I, the Scots made Charles II their new king."

The Scottish soldiers, believed to number up to 16,000, formed the backbone of King Charles II Cavalry and infantry troops.

The Cavalry was based at Pitchcroft while waiting to get their battle orders.

But Oliver Cromwell's 30,000 Roundheads proved to be too strong for the King, who saw his supporters slain in the decisive battle of the English Civil Wars.

He realised he would be caught and escaped before the cavalry could be mobilised.

Some managed to leave the city but up to 10,000 soldiers were captured. They were either killed or shipped to New England or Barbados to be sold as slaves.

"When all the cemeteries were full they were buried at Powick Hams. The graves have been left unmarked," said Mr Maggs.

"It's painfully obvious that these poor chaps who marched all this way were slaughtered and left."

And now, Mr Maggs has enlisted the support of some leading descendants of Scottish soldiers who died during the Battle of Worcester, including clan leader McLeod of McLeod, whose clan took 1,000 men into the fight.

He says that clan leader McNeil of Barrock has also heralded his support for the proposed memorial.

Mr Maggs says he has yet to decide what form the memorial should take, but is considering a stone pillar with an engraved plaque.

The Commandery at Worcester said it was interested to hear of Mr Maggs' plans.

"We're planning to mark the 350th anniversary and we're keen to work with as many people as possible," said Commandery manager Amanda Lunt.

"It was the last battle of the Civil War and the most important thing to have happened to the Commandery.

"We'd like to work with Mr Maggs as our commemoration will have a Scottish link."