Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has confirmed that funding is now in place for work to commence on the new Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre near Stirling this summer.

On a visit to Stirling Castle, Salmond said building and landscaping work will commence in early summer, with the preservation of the site's historic monuments also due for this year.

Edinburgh-based architects Reiach and Hall led the team behind designs for the new tourist attraction, which is being built by Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.

Sinclair Knight Merz; Turner and Townsend; and KJ Tait feature as part of the design team for the project, while Bright White and Ian White Associates are also involved.

An existing visitor centre will be demolished during the autumn as part of the building work, with the new attraction to be ready in time for the 700th anniversary of the battle in 2014.

Contractors for the construction and landscaping work have now been shortlisted, as well as for the conservation of the listed monuments, including a statue of Robert the Bruce.

Salmond said: "The eyes of the world will be on Scotland during 2014, with international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup being held on our shores.

"We intend to use the cutting edge of Scottish technology to bring the battle to life and showcase our history in a dramatic way."

Details: www.nts.org.uk