A SERIES of events will take place across the region this spring to mark the 750th birthday of Robert the Bruce, and put his expansive links to Dumfries and Galloway on the map.
The Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust in partnership with The People’s Project Dumfries and The Imaginarium’s Gallovidian Way, will be celebrating the anniversary of the former king with a varied programme, titled RtB750, over the next five months – including in Lochmaben and Annan.
It will all launch on February 10 with a day of activities in Dumfries: starting with a living history storytelling event, ‘The Commemoration of the Slaying of the Red Comyn’, at Greyfriars Church, then themed crafting activities at Dumfries Museum; a ‘Medieval Meander’ around the town centre; and a vespers church service.
Over the next few months there will then be educational experiences, walks, talks, tours, films and interactive themed events.
The organisers say they are aiming to showcase the influential and pivotal role Dumfries and Galloway played in the life and times of the most famous King Of Scots, who was also Lord of Annandale.
And they note that Robert the Bruce was influenced by this region’s people, friends and foe, and it was where he forged his alliances, and honed the skills that provided the foundations from which he propelled his journey to the throne.
Creative director of The Imaginarium and The Gallovidian Way DJ McDowall said: “The purpose of RtB750 has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of the people of Dumfries and Galloway, who are clearly ready to embrace the hidden histories of our region, reclaiming and heralding their ancestral connections, which includes King Robert the Bruce, and so many other inspirational and influential Gallovidians whose memories have been lost in the mists of time.”
Chairperson of Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust Elizabeth West added: “We are eagerly looking forward to finally putting Dumfries and Galloway at the heart of Scottish medieval history.”
