Support your hero as the daring knights battle it out in a dramatic show of bravery and skill, wander through the colourful encampments to experience medieval life first-hand, and hear the impact on the Maxwells of being caught up in the Wars of Independence and Robert the Bruce’s efforts to gain control of the kingdom

Brought to you by Lochmaben Heritage Centre, and under the gaze of his statue, a Bruce 750 celebration with medieval and contemporary music to mark the king’s connections with Lochmaben town and castle

A Living History, Storytelling & Re-enactment Day brought to you by Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust & Galloway Longfhada, on the site of Dumfries Castle.

Join us in the Court of De Brus with our Medieval Market & Fayre to celebrate King Robert the Bruce’s 750th Birthday (this is the weekend closest to his birthday on 11th July).

Take a walk up Dumfries High Street, and back in time. Enjoy our themed traders market, living history, storytelling, tours and medieval crafts.

Meet the Bruce family in The Court De Brus and enjoy the tributes that will be paid from Scottish Tribal Street Music legends Clanadonia, Scots Screiver Susi Briggs & Alan McClure, plus lots of medieval themed family entertainment - more to be announced. ..

The Tanner is a one man play about a violent historical period in Scots history; written and performed by Alex McSherry, adapted with permission from an original story by Stuart Hepburn.

The play predates the Mel Gibson Hollywood epic ‘Braveheart’ by some years and does not indulge in the romanticising, glamourising, ‘modern interpretation’ of real events so well loved in the film industry.

The play has been verified as historically accurate by the University of Edinburgh department of History and pulls no punches.

Celebrate Robert the Bruce’s 750th Birthday, and make a medieval helmet or crown to take away.

Join Mostly Ghostly as they wend their way around this magnificent fortress and surrounding woodland paths, where you’ll discover myths, legends and ghostly tales galore, all woven between a collection of dark, historical accounts, and stories associated with The Bruce.

Watch out for the Bruce family in the Procession (Annan High Street from 1pm approx.). Visit our display stand at the afternoon event at Annan Academy Playing Fields 2pm-4pm.

A day to celebrate the 750th birthday of Robert the Bruce, Lord of Annandale, King of Scot’s, in his ancestral seat.

Join your trusty guides Mostly Ghostly, as we meander through courtyard and close, kirkyard and wynd.

Annan was the seat of the Bruce family as Lords of Annandale prior to their move to Lochmaben, hear about their family curse, and more tales from Annan’s murky, mysterious past.

GENEALOGY WITH EDITH REYNTEINS OF THE MEDIEVAL BRUCE HERITAGE TRUST

Join Edith as she talks you through her journey with her ancestry, and her Bruce lineage. 

On the anniversary of Bannockburn, join us for A Talk with Dr Callum Watson, from the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre & Author of ‘1314 The Year of Bannockburn’ .

Robert the Bruce, starring Angus McFadyen

Our storyteller will share tales of foolish kings, saints, travellers, tricksters and pilgrims.

All the stories were enjoyed in medieval times, and are suitable for adults and older children.

Discover stories of the death of Robert the Bruce, and some of his companions. 

Find out how people were buried in medieval times, what they believed happened after death, with ghost stories from that era. 

You’ll also be able to see medieval gravestones and some bones including bones from the Bruce’s skeleton.   

The Outlaw King, starring Chris Pine

Explore a range of medieval cooking equipment and find out how herbs and spices were used in cooking and in the home. Discover what was eaten in humble homes and in the castles of the wealthy. Presented with a range of artefacts in the atmospheric thatched cottage.

Sir Christopher, a staunch supporter and brother-in-law of Bruce, accompanied him to Greyfriars Monastery on the fateful day of John Comyn’s murder. Seton killed Comyn’s uncle, Robert, when he went to attack Bruce.

His wife, Lady Christian Bruce, built the chapel in memory of her husband. Guests will be given the special privilege of meeting Lady Christian Bruce and learn about the story of the Chrystal Chapel, with a chance to view the small collection of stones that once formed part of this poignant memorial.

Try a range of medieval style artwork taking inspiration from the carvings and artefacts around Glenluce Abbey, one of the places Robert the Bruce rested during his final journey to Whithorn Priory in his final days.

Discover why people went on pilgrimage, what they took with them, stories from the journey, and what they brought back.

Living history with artefacts to handle and a visit to the remains of the medieval church visited by Robert the Bruce in his final days.

Lochmaben Heritage Centre, in collaboration with Dumfries Museum present an evening exploring Medieval Pilgrimage.

An engaging presentation packed with artefacts, images and music.

Discover why Medieval Scots went on pilgrimage, the adventures of the journey and some of the souvenirs they brought back.

We’ll also explore the final journey of Robert the Bruce to St Ninian’s shrine at Whithorn.

A talk with Andrew Redmond Barr, Writer & Artist.

Author of The Illustrated Declaration of Arbroath + The Atlas of Scotland: Vision of a Nation, on the anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.

This talk explores the famous letter which declared Robert the Bruce King of Scotland. The event will also look more broadly at how artistic and creative approaches, such as illustration and map-making, can help us better understand Scotland's stories.

A new exhibition exploring tales from the region in the 7th to 15th century with artefacts, interactives and a focus on the Bruces as Lords of Annandale. Exhibition continues through April and May, Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm.

Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson

Lochmaben Castle was the seat of the Bruce family for about 150 years, and it was from here he left to meet with and then murder his rival John ‘Red’ Comyn.

Hear this tale, and more legends and lore associated with the atmospheric surroundings of Castle Loch, Lochmaben which forms the perfect backdrop to an evening of spine-chilling storytelling…

From the women of the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, a tribute to the Bruce women.

Featuring Sanquhar’s most iconic landmarks coupled with strange and thought-provoking tales, award-winning storytellers Mostly Ghostly will explore a darker, more curious side to this historically important town. As we meander through ancient streets and eerie closes, you’ll discover dark deeds, colourful characters, tales of heartbreak and mysterious encounters… A must-do for lovers of history, legends and lore!

This day of events for the launch of our Robert the Bruce 750th Birthday Programme will conclude at 7pm by exploring the home of Bruce’s companion, Sir Roger ‘Mak Siccar’ Kirkpatrick who allegedly delivered the fatal blows to the Red Comyn, on this fateful day in 1306.