A plan for parts of Tayside and Fife to cash in on links with King Robert the Bruce has taken a step forward after months of painstaking research, with organisers set to meet national tourism chiefs.
The trail, which will feature places in Angus associated with the reign of the 14th century monarch, will be ready in time for the 700th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath next year.
Organisers hope the project will capitalise on an upsurge in interest through recent films, Outlaw King and Robert the Bruce.
Since the plan wasannounced in January, historian Norman Atkinson has undertaken painstaking research, including poring over 600 charters from the reign of Bruce, all of them written in Latin, as well as a trove of other material.
He said: “While many people are aware that when Bruce died, he ordered that his heart should be removed and taken on crusade, few know that the heart, carried by Sir James Douglas, sailed from Montrose in 1330.
“We also know that an ally of Bruce, David De Brechin granted permission for a weekly market to be held in Brechin.
“Unfortunately for David however, he was tried for treason and executed in 1321.
“We have a big story to tell, and this is also an opportunity to gather a lot of important material in one place – this could be really good for Angus.
The proposal has won the backing of Bruce’s direct descendant, Lord Bruce.
He said: “Many of our leading medieval historians believe that 1320 was one of the most critical years of King Robert’s reign.
“He was facing a direct challenge to his authority from the Papacy, as well as the ambition of Edward II to subsume Scotland as a Plantagenet vassal state.
“King Robert had a very strong relationship with Angus, and it is surely very significant that Arbroath provided the stage on which the signing of the Declaration, an extraordinary moment in our nation’s story was enacted.”
Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative Councillor Derek Wann is part of the project team.
He said: “VisitScotland have expressed an interest in the trail, and we are meeting them early next month to see how they can assist us.
“I firmly believe that this project can bring the story of Bruce to a new generation of locals and visitors alike.”
“Ideally, we will be able to have the trail on leaflets, as well as a dedicated website and we are exploring other options that will maximise its impact.”
