Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 7 June 2024 12:44
• Conservation charity marks anniversary of battle 710 years on.
• A variety of events including re-enactments, talks and tours to inform visitors of important battle in Scotland’s history.
In June, there will be a significant opportunity to mark one of Scotland’s best known and most historically consequential battles: the National Trust for Scotland will be commemorating the 710th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn with a series of events to inform and entertain.
The conservation charity, which cares for and protects the battlefield to preserve this iconic landmark for the access and enjoyment of all, is staging events on the site on the outskirts of Stirling where Robert the Bruce, King of Scots took on and decisively defeated the numerically superior English army led by Edward II over 23rd and 24th June, 1314.
Among the events there will be re-enactments and displays by Britannia XIV showcasing medieval life, including armoury, combat skills and typical crafts from the period – these are free for the whole family to enjoy.
There’s also an opportunity to retrace the steps of the opposing forces via a Battlefield Walk led by the Trust’s expert tour guides, who will also regale visitors with fearsome stories of combat, chivalry, triumph and defeat. An evening talk will also be delivered that will shed light on the early years of Robert the Bruce, focusing on his upbringing and the experiences that shaped the future King of Scots, as his 750th birthday approaches in July of this year.
Cara Stewart, Operations Manager for Bannockburn, said: “The legendary Battle of Bannockburn has a special place in Scottish history as the site where the Scots beat their English rivals and helped to ensure the nation’s future. Tales about the battlefield and the formidable leaders of the Scots army still provoke powerful emotions at home and abroad and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to our commemoration so that we can share these stories commemorate the brave fighting men from both sides.
“Our events take place on 16th, 23rd and 26th June when visitors can immerse themselves in the full Bannockburn experience. From battlefield walks that trace the progress of combat, to living history demonstrations, including the equipment and tactics used by the combatants, there is much to see that will provide insight into the circumstances and importance of the battle, as well as the lives of the people caught up in it. It’s thanks to the continued generosity of our members and donors that we’re able to continue to care for, protect and share Bannockburn now and for future generations to enjoy.”
At the Battle of Bannockburn Robert the Bruce faced down Edward I’s English army. Edward’s objective was to secure the nearby stronghold of Stirling Castle, and he led his huge army through Scotland to break the Scots’ siege of his garrison at the castle. Achieving this was vital to Edward’s hopes of re-establishing his grip on the country, but he was stopped short by the Bruce’s forces. Over the two days of battle, Edward was repeatedly thwarted by the Scots’ stubborn resistance and tactical superiority before his army was finally trapped within the surrounding terrain with no room to manoeuvre and suffered enormous casualties leading to complete and utter defeat.
To book a place at one of the Bannockburn 710th anniversary events, please visit: HERE
More information about Bannockburn and how to visit is available HERE
The Bannockburn anniversary events supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, visit www.nts.org.uk
Secret Stirling Tours – a new bespoke tour of Stirling Castle – launches today (Monday 15 September) giving visitors exclusive access to areas of the site that are normally closed to the public.
READ MOREA Stirling local is set to spend the night in one of the city’s most unusual, and eerie, locations to raise vital funds for children across the world.
READ MOREEdinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORECineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORELocal businesses and social enterprises across the Forth Valley are being invited to explore supply chain opportunities in a free-to-attend event at Alloa Town Hall.
READ MOREScotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MOREMarston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MOREÒran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MOREFair Trade Stirling is holding a sponsored bike ride to raise money for its long-term partners in the Karonga District of Malawi.
READ MOREIconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MOREThe Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORELove Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MOREIt might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MOREBusiness Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MOREStirling’s outstanding independent and national retailers are set to be recognised and rewarded at the city’s 2026 Business Awards.
READ MOREBusinesses, visitors and residents are urged to feedback on Stirling’s draft Visitor Levy scheme as drop-in sessions begin.
READ MOREVikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MOREThe winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MOREThe Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
READ MOREBraveheart continues to be a huge draw for visitors to Scotland as Stirling prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oscar-winning epic.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MOREBusinesses across Stirling and beyond are being invited to take the ‘Forth Valley Five’ pledge: a bold new initiative designed to celebrate local food and drink and boost community wealth.
READ MOREPeople across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MOREA multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MOREThe Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MOREResidents, community groups and other key stakeholders will have the opportunity to shape Stirling’s future as the consultation on the area’s new Local Development Plan enters crucial new phase.
READ MOREScottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MOREScotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MOREThe shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MOREInnis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE