ROBERT THE Bruce made a special appearance at Dunfermline Abbey to promote Fife’s Tartan Day celebrations.

A week-long programme kicks-off across the country on Saturday, March 29, and culminates on April 6 to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.

Fife Council is funding two events—Airs For A King at Dunfermline Abbey Church and The Sound Of The Deer at Falkland Palace.

Organised by Dunfermline Heritage Trust, Airs For A King will take place on the evening of March 30.

Dunfermline-born fiddler Pete Clark will perform the music he composed for the 700th anniversary of the enthronement of Robert the Bruce and he will be joined by cellist Wendy Weatherby.

Singer Sheena Wellington, who sang at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, will perform songs associated with Robert the Bruce’s life.

On April 5, Sheena will again perform at Falkland Palace, where she will be joined by sound artists Louise Wilson and David Chapman.

Environment and transport committee chairman Councillor Tony Martin said,“Fife is one of Scotland’s most varied and vibrant areas, as the two events taking place in Dunfermline and Falkland show, with tremendous potential for business and tourism.

“By taking part in the Tartan Week celebrations we hope to build on this to make sure that Fife is a location of choice for living, working, learning and investing.”

Mr Martin said Tartan Day had the potential to boost Scotland’s economy.

He added, “I’d encourage as many people as possible to show their support to Fife’s Tartan Week celebrations and go along to the local events.”