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Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest urban centre and a popular destination for a short break. Glasgow's fine museums and galleries are complemented by the Mitchell Library one of the largest public reference libraries in Europe and home of the city archives.
Travel south on the M74. Between Moffat and Annan is Annandale, lands belonging to the Bruce family in the early 12th century. During civil war in England in 1138, conflicts arose within the Bruce household, father and son with differing loyalties to England and Scotland respectively. These conflicts drove the son to establish the family in Scotland and to give up his fathers arms.
South of Annandale, near Kirkpatrick Flemming and up a steep path above Kirtle Water, you will find the cave where it is claimed that Robert the Bruce, hiding from the English armies, is said to have watched the spider attempting to spin a web. This inspired Robert to continue the struggle for Scottish independence. Travel west towards Dumfries. On the shore of the Solway Firth is Caerlaverock Castle. One of the most attractive and interesting castles in Scotland, it is the epitome of a medieval stronghold. In 1314 Robert the Bruce ordered that it should be destroyed to prevent it being used by invading English armies, but it has been rebuilt several times since then!
The ancient town of Dumfries has had a long and turbulent history. On the death of Alexander III in the late thirteenth century, two Comyns, Earl of Buchan and Lord of Badenoch, were involved in the struggles to win the throne, leading to their deaths at the hands of Robert the Bruce in 1306. This took place in the Church of the Minorite Friars, here in Dumfries. A plaque marks the location of the original site in Castle Street.
At the Dumfries Museum, which is centered round a windmill, you can learn about the ancient and more recent history of this border town. There are also splendid panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes from the camera obscura in the windmill. To the east is Lochmaben, reputed to be the birth place of Robert the Bruce. The town has an impressive town hall sited behind a striking statue of Robert the Bruce. South of the town are the remains of two Lochmaben Castles. Set in a nature reserve, the oldest remains were built by the Bruce Clan and the second was built by Edward I of England after he captured and dismantled the first castle.
Travel back towards Moffat and take the north east road to Selkirk and on to Melrose. The town is graced by the beautiful and imposing Melrose Abbey. "The Good Sir James" founder of the Black Douglases was killed in battle in Spain while he was on a mission to take a casket containing King Robert the Bruce's heart to be buried in the Holy Land. Both the body of James and Robert the Bruce's heart were recovered and it is here in Melrose Abbey that the heart is interred.
Journey north west to arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's magnificent historic capital. You'll be spoilt for things to do and places to visit. A good starting point is the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street. Here, you'll find the history of Scotland from early geological times through to the present day. At the nearby Scottish Genealogical Society library in Victoria Terrace you'll find plenty of fellow travellers and enthusiastic researchers, as well as a wealth of genealogical information and guidance. No appointment is necessary but there is a small charge for non-members.
You can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the end of the Royal Mile. The new Scottish Parliament building lies nearby. At the other end of the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle, from the battlements of which you can enjoy commanding views out over both the New and Old towns of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle was captured by the English during the Wars of Independence. Robert the Bruce's nephew, Thomas Randolph, daringly recaptured it by climbing its steep and craggy sides under the cover of darkness. In 1329 the city was given a Royal Charter by Robert the Bruce.
Today travel to Stirling and visit the very impressive Stirling Castle, a favoured royal retreat and the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Then journey a mile or so southwest of the city to visit the very poignant site of the Battle of Bannockburn (1314). Following the vanquishing of his rivals in Dumfries, Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland and began a long and arduous campaign to secure his title, finally achieving success at this battle. He then set about rebuilding the Scottish nation.
A few miles to the east of Stirling is Clackmannan, Crown lands here were given to Thomas Bruce by King Robert II in recognition of his rising against the English in 1334. Clackmannan, with its Mercat Cross and Tollbooth is a historical town. Clackmannan Tower is a magnificent five storey building dating back to the 1300's, but can only be safely viewed externally because of recent mining subsidence.
Kincardine is a few miles to the south. In 1647 Sir George Bruce of Carnock was created Earl of Kincardine. It is now mainly known for the Kincardine Bridge crossing the River Forth, but is itself an attractive village with a long history as a trading port. A few miles east is Dunfermline where the body of Robert The Bruce was buried in 1329. His bones were re-interred under a magnificent brass plate in the new Abbey Church in 1819. Look out for the striking stone lettering around the crown tower. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace date back to the 11th century, the Abbey was the last resting place for many Scottish monarchs.
Travel north through the spectacular Scottish Highlands, along the A9 towards Inverness. You will pass through the villages of Kingussie and Newtonmore. Here you'll find two fascinating Folk Museums where more than 400 years of Highland life are brought to life in exhibitions which track the everyday experiences of clansman and crofter. Continue on to Inverness.
You may want to relax and enjoy the Highland hospitality of Inverness after a busy few days, and there is plenty to see. A fine introduction to the area can be found at Inverness Museum. Then, for a truly atmospheric experience, make the short journey to the battleground of Culloden where, in April 1746, 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion was crushed by Government forces. Members of the Bruce Clan came to live in this more northern part of Scotland and made a significant contribution to its history.
In 1597 Sir Edward Bruce was made Commendator of Kinloss Abbey. The abbey is 3 miles east of Forres and was founded in 1150 by King David I. It went on to become one of the largest and wealthiest religious houses in Scotland, including in 1312 receiving salmon fishing rights on the River Findhorn from Robert the Bruce. Later, in 1633, the Bruce Clan acquired the Earldom of Elgin. Elgin is a few miles on to the east. Elgin Museum tells of 1000 years of Scottish history, including the story of the preservation of the Elgin Marbles by a more recent Earl of Elgin.
Travel back to Glasgow for your return journey home, enjoying more of the unique and inspiring Scottish scenery of the Cairngorms National Park on the way.
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