ACTIVISTS who are walking 500 miles around Scotland to promote the independence cause were refused entry to Stirling Castle's car park this morning. 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) - the quango which has already infuriated activists by banning the All Under One Banner rally from Holyrood Park at the end of next Saturday's march through Edinburgh - reportedly told the walkers it was because their presence was "political".

The walkers say that as they attempted to enter an empty car park, say two HES employees approached them and said they couldn't be there.

One of the walkers, Dean Woodhouse of Yes Linton, told The National: "We weren't in the castle itself as that was closed. One of the staff threatened to call the police, even though we explained we were only there for a five-minute photoshoot."

Police officers duly arrived and, after a conversation with the walkers, took no action.

The walkers, who have been backed by The Proclaimers and senior SNP members, are now heading for Cumbernauld.

The incident has caused furore among indy supporters on social media with some saying they would cancel their memberships with HES, while others called on the Scottish Government to intervene.   

Charlie Roper said on Twitter: "That's my membership of 18 years cancelled, absolutely fuming."

Police Scotland confirmed to The National that officers had attended at the castle. Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government have been asked about the matter and we will put their replies on The National website when we receive them.

FULL STORY IN TOMORROW'S NATIONAL