A LOCAL councillor is hoping to rally the troops and have a little known historical site honoured.

The Nelson Gun Battery, near to Auchenharvie Academy, is related to the Napoleonic era and Cllr Jim Montgomerie, who has represented the Saltcoats and Stevenston ward at North Ayrshire Council for the last five years, wants to try and get commemorated.

He told the Herald: “I have been running up the Auchenharvie stairs for years and I always wondered what the stone work was on the top left. I did a bit of investigating and found out it was the Nelson Mount Cannon Battery.

“During the Napoleonic Era, four cannons were situated here to eliminate any threat from Napoleon’s army who would try to blow up the coal mines running from Stevenston to Saltcoats, as without this precious coal our army wouldn’t have power or fuel. This was a great position as they could see over Stevenston to the shore for any threats.

“It has a huge historical attachment to our area. Obviously the cannons aren’t there now, but it would be great to get the local schools involved to get replicas made.

“I have managed to get some of the trees removed by the council, but we will need more to get removed.

“I will be getting the stone work pointed and the plateau covered in chips with some sort of seating there. If there is anyone who would like to get involved, please give me a call, the more the merrier.”