A three-day extravaganza to mark the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn is to be scaled back by a day.
VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency, has now taken over responsibility for promoting the Bannockburn Live event, which is being reduced to two days.
Organisers originally hoped that 45,000 people would attend over the three days but, so far, only a few thousand briefs have been sold.
Bannockburn Live will be one of three major events taking place in Stirling during the last weekend in June.
Pipefest, which will see a parade marching through Stirling from the castle promenade, will take place on Friday June 27. The following day, the city will host Armed Forces Day, the same day the Bannockburn commemorations begin.
Bannockburn Live will include large-scale re-enactments of the battle and a clan and family village, where members of the public will be able to trace their own Scottish roots.
VisitScotland said reducing the event from three days to two will ensure operational coordination with Armed Forces Day on the Saturday.
Scottish Government tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: “With Pipefest, Armed Forces Day and Bannockburn Live all taking place on the last weekend in June, it’s going to be a packed few days of Homecoming 2014-related activities for all the family.”
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay added: “Once the capital city of Scotland, Stirling and the surrounding area is steeped in history and culture and it is fitting that it plays host to what will be three of the most poignant and awe-inspiring events of the year.
“VisitScotland wanted to ensure that locals, visitors and businesses alike benefited from this big weekend on the Homecoming calendar, and ensure a smooth and safe event operation for all.
“What we have ended up with is bigger, better and bolder than ever before and we hope everyone can’t wait to get a taste of all the action over the three days,” he added.
Pete Selman, director of properties and visitor services at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Reviewing the Bannockburn Live programme in order to ensure it dovetails with the rest of Stirling’s programme was the right thing to do at this stage, before the significant marketing and ticket sales efforts were under way.”
Stirling provost Mike Robbins said: “As part of Stirling’s most exciting weekend ever, we’re looking forward to recognising and celebrating the contribution made by our Armed Forces with spectacular displays and activities for all the family.
“It will be a great day out and a truly fitting tribute to the men and women, past and present, of the army, navy and airforce.
“With this, and all the other events taking place over the weekend, there will be something for everyone, so we’re getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors to Stirling.”