Scottish events - Battle of Bannockburn story at Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle will be the venue for a series of themed events in the run up to the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014.

Stirling Castle will be the venue for a series of themed events in the run up to the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014, Historic Scotland has announced. The first events will be held on 22 and 23 September 2012, when visitors can learn the story of the Wars of Independence, William Wallace and the early career of Robert the Bruce.

The castle played a key role in the Wars of Independence, changing hands eight times between 1296 and 1342. In the ten years leading up to the battle the castle was held by the English. Under siege by the Scots, King Edward II of England led a 17,000-strong army to Stirling to relieve the castle siege before being defeated by Robert the Bruce’s army at Bannockburn, in sight of Stirling Castle.

Key highlights at the event will include a living encampment set up within the castle grounds and the opportunity to meet historical re-enactors playing key characters from the period including Robert The Bruce and Sir William Oliphant, Captain of the Castle, who will tell how he and thirty men tried to hold the castle against the might of Edward I. Visitors can also learn about the weaponry used in the wars including combat demonstrations by re-enactors.

Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at Historic Scotland said: 'Stirling Castle has played a key role in some of the most famous events in Scottish history, including the Wars of Independence, so it is a fitting setting to tell the story of this most infamous of battles. Visitors are fascinated to know more about this intriguing part of Scotland’s history and through this series of special events we’ll explore difference aspects of the story.

'This initial event is designed to introduce visitors to the background to the Wars of Independence and its key characters who played a huge part in Scotland’s history, in a way that will entertain and inform young and old alike. It’s a very exciting time for Stirling as a destination. Stirling Castle was recently voted the UK’s best heritage attraction, after a £12 million investment to return the palace to how it may have looked at the time of a young Mary, Queen of Scots. This, alongside all the exciting plans to commemorate the battle at the new visitor centre at Bannockburn in 2014, makes the area an attractive proposition for visitors, placing Stirling at the heart of Scotland’s story.'

To find out more about Stirling Castle and the Battle of Bannockburn anniversary, visit the Historic Scotland website.

To read more about the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, click here.

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