In the year 1306 Scotland had been in turmoil for several years owing to the untimely death of her king and the interference of the English king, who wanted to set himself up as the ruler of Scotland.   After the death of the sole direct heir to the Scottish crown, there had been several claimants, and the English king had been asked to choose among them.  He made his choice, and then interfered with and ultimately deposed the king he chose, plunging the realm of Scotland into chaos and near anarchy.

      Robert the Bruce was the most prominent among the claimants in several ways.  He had quarreled with the next strongest claimant, the Red Cumming, but it was thought that perhaps the two men might work out their differences peaceably if they could meet in person in a church, so a meeting was set for February 1306.  At the meeting in the church in Dumfries the previous animosity flared up again, and the result was the Red Cumming slain and lying dead on the altar of the church.

      Robert the Bruce knew that he had to act fast, because the murder of the Red Cumming would result in excommunication, and that would prevent him from being consecrated as King of Scots.  He hastily put together a ceremonial, even though the ancient Stone of Destiny, on which a King of Scots was traditionally seated at his coronation, had already been stolen by the English king.

       So, on the 26^th of March 1306, in the presence of four bishops and five earls, as well as friends from all around Scotland, a solemn enthronement took place atop the Moot Hill at Scone, and the Royal Banner of Scotland was raised, the surest symbol that the Scots at long last had a new king.

       700 years later to the day the Chief of the Family of Bruce, Sir Andrew Bruce, the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Knight of the Thistle, and a large group of members of the Family and their friends from all over the world once again raised the Royal Banner on the ancient Moot Hill at Scone, and cheered the immortal memory of the Hero King.

Written by Thomas Allen Bruce, Lieutenant to the Chief of the Name of Bruce

The Earl gives a hearty Hurrah to the king.

The interior of the kirk where the ceremony took place.

King Robert's sword, handed down for many generations in the family and was the sword used to knight poet Robert Burns.

Clann an Drumma was on hand to provide the proper drama.

Lady Elgin, as well as all convened, enjoyed the music of Clann an Drumma.

The meal was an authentic medieval affair.

A good time was had by all. Lord Bruce, eldest son of Lord Elgin, spoke of his father's dedication to the Bruce family.

Our good friends Vizi Lange and Sam Caldwell provided us with these photos of the event. Sam is a magnificent national award winning artist from Texas. Everyone should take a look at his visually exciting watercolors. (some from Scotland) and more photos of the Robert Bruce event above. Also included are some photographic scenes around Scotland. You're bound to enjoy the view! [click here]

Limited Edition 700th Anniversary Celebration T-Shirt

Image on the front of black T shirt good quality! In white, dark red and metallic silver inks. Free Shipping and Handling on this Shirt if shipped within the USA.