Pictures of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce

Bannockburn is one of those places in Scottish history with a deep significance to the Scots. After the death of William Wallace, the Guardian of Scotland, Robert the Bruce carried out what he had fought for, providing Scots with freedom. So, on the field of Bannockburn, in 1314 Robert the Bruce King of Scots led the Scottish army and won their independence from the English.

If Edward I would have still been alive, then the Scots would have probably found it much more difficult to win the battle. Fortunately for them, Edward II was now King of England, Edward I's son, weak but stubborn.

Presently, the field of Bannockburn is under the care of the National Trust for Scotland that also has in its care places such as Culloden and Glencoe. On the field of Bannockburn there's the equestrian statue of Bruce by Pilkington Jackson, unveiled in 1964. The Bruce is facing the battlefield while behind him stands Stirling Castle.

In order to better understand Scottish history as well as to enjoy the sense of independence that that day gave to the Scots, the National Trust for Scotland allowed an reenactment on the field of Bannockburn Archers, Scottish and English soldiers, horses, kids sword fight and the best pipe band I have ever heard (and I have not heard many ;) made the day a very entertaining one.

Stirling Castle is the most interesting castle of Scotland. It was a key place in Scottish History because it was the key to controlling the whole of Scotland as it controlled the gateway to the Highlands. Edinburgh Castle could have never assumed such role as it was very easy to attack from the south and from the Forth.

Tourists come here to learn the story of The Bruce, as they call him. They often take pictures besides him as he represents the Scottish spirit, always free and independent.

Reenactments are often organised on battlefields are both entertaining as well as educational for the young. The participants are hardly ever paid for such shows, they do it for pleasure not money, although the outfit is very expensive. On the field of Bannockburn they organised Scottish and English troops displays The Scots were not dressed in kilts on the battlefield as presented in Braveheart, but rather in clothing such as the ones in the picture. Unfortunately due to the commonness of their outfit (in spite of the small Scottish symbols most had on it), friendly fire was never a stranger on the battlefield.