Commissioned by The Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, working in partnership with The People’s Project Dumfries, The Gallovidian Way worked with local community organisations and businesses to ensure Dumfries & Galloway celebrated the 750th anniversary of the birth of Robert the Bruce in appropriate style.

We produced and delivered an ecelectic 6 month long programme of co-created events which showcased the influential and pivotal role Dumfries & Galloway played in the life and times of the most famous King Of Scots, and its lasting impact on Scottish Medieval history.

Through a variety of community-led cultural activities dotted across the region, we explored the vital role D&G played in the story of Scotland, while generating opportunities to share our vibrant region as it is now.

We brought to life our wealth of hidden histories and the story of The Bruce through a series of educational experiences, walks, talks, tours, films and interactive and immersive themed events. Building on our successful Hidden Histories approach.

Our programme of events began on Saturday 10th February (the anniversary of the slaying of the Red Comyn), and culminated in a weekend of birthday celebrations (closest weekend to The Bruce’s birthday) on 13th & 14th July 2024.

We supported a number of different community organisations to organise their own local events and activities to add to the calendar of events, inspiring our region to take ownership of their stories, showcasing the multifaceted and fascinating range of history that we have associated with the life and times of Robert The Bruce.

We quite literally put King Robert the Bruce’s expansive history within Dumfries & Galloway on the map!

The team are incredibly grateful to our main sponsors of the programme for their generous support: Jardine Funerals, Historic Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival.

We are also very thankful for the enthusiasm, support and very special contributions of our key collaborators: Mostly Ghostly, Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club, Dumfries Museum, D&G Heritage Service, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Wordsmithcrafts, HM Prison Dumfries, Guid Nychburris Association, The Landale Family / Dalswinton Estate, Dumfries Family History Society, Visit Scotland and The Barony of Buittle.

ROBERT THE BRUCE 750 PROGRAMME AVAILABLE HERE

*NB: The above is the first edition of the programme, which was eventually extended to meet demand and incorporate additional community led events, which were inspired by the initial programme.