Robert the Bruce

Robert the Bruce is one of the most memorable kings of Scotland, reigning from 1306 to 1329. He was a nobleman from the south west of the country, most famous for his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn and gaining his nation's crown and independence with the Declaration of Arbroath in the early 14th century.

Statue de Robert le Bruce au centre d’accueil de la bataille de Bannockburn, Stirling

Celebrate Bruce's 750th anniversary!

This year marks the 750th anniversary of the birth of Robert the Bruce on 11 July 1274. 

Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

Anniversary events

Here are some of the celebrations and special events taking place across the country you can get involved in, from falconry demonstrations to battle re-enactments and much more!

Uncover the legacy of Robert the Bruce

The Bruce's Stone on the edge of Loch Trool

Before he cemented his position in Scottish legend, Robert the Bruce was born in Ayrshire as the fourth-great-grandson of King David I. This claim to the throne encouraged him to fight in the revolts against Edward I of England, led by another Scottish hero, William Wallace. Robert the Bruce and John Comyn (another claimant to the throne) were appointed joint Guardians of Scotland following Wallace’s defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

In a dramatic moment in history, Robert the Bruce killed John Comyn in Greyfriars Kirk in Dumfries, after discovering he had been betrayed to King Edward. This left him as the sole claimant to the Scottish throne, but after defeat at the Battle of Methven, he became an outlaw king and was forced to flee to the Scottish islands. Despite this, his popularity and support gradually increased, and he rallied the Scottish nobles when he returned to the mainland to capture Edinburgh Castle and win a decisive victory at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.  

“

It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself. 

Declaration of Arbroath 1320

The Declaration of Arbroath 

By 1320, a group of Scottish nobles sent the Declaration of Arbroath to the Pope which asserted Scotland’s independence from the English crown and recognised Robert the Bruce as their rightful king. You can still see a surviving copy of the medieval record today, but its fragile state means it’s only displayed occasionally for its preservation. Arbroath Abbey, where the letter was signed, is a great attraction in Angus to visit, where you can soak up the atmosphere of this rich history.  

 

The statue of Robert Bruce outside Marischal College

Do you have Robert the Bruce ancestral connections? 

If you belong to the Bruce clan, you’re part of a long and proud Scottish line! The clan traces its heritage back to the Norman conquest and there are plenty of Bruce sites in Scotland that you can visit to feel connected to your royal Scottish ancestors. Lots of other clans also fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Independence, so why not research your surname to uncover your family story? 

Discover your Scottish clan history

Explore Scotland through history

See Scotland through the eyes of one of the country's greatest ever kings. Explore historic buildings, medieval abbeys, ruins, battlefields and caves across Scotland which played an important role in his life and see monuments dedicated to his memory. You can discover his homeland, Ayrshire, as well as other places he had connections with across the country. 

9 Robert the Bruce Places to Visit in Scotland

Want to get to know the man behind the legend? There's no better way to find out more about this King of Scots than by following in his footsteps.

Bruce's Stone

Visit Bruce's Stone on the edge of Loch Trool in Dumfries & Galloway, commemorating Robert the Bruce's first victory over the English army.

Dunfermline Abbey

The 12th century Romanesque abbey is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, alongside other Scottish monarchs.

The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in Scottish history, where Bruce defeated an army three times the size of his own!

Arbroath Abbey

Explore the ruins of Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.

Melrose Abbey

Bruce's heart was buried in Melrose Abbey in the picturesque Scottish Borders, after being taken on Crusade to Spain.

King's Cave

Legend has it that Robert hid in one of these caves on Arran, where he watched a spider repeatedly spin a web and was inspired to continue his cause.

National Museum of Scotland

Admire the feasting cup which Robert the Bruce is said to have drunk from at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Ayrshire

Immerse yourself in the lands where Robert the Bruce was from with a trip to Ayrshire.

Scone Palace

Visit this impressive Scottish palace to see the place where Robert the Bruce and many other Scottish monarchs were crowned on the Stone of Destiny.

Follow the Robert the Bruce trail

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