Discovery of Bruce’s remains to be marked 200 years on

dunfermline: Special service to be held at abbey, the heroic king’s final resting place

The anniversary of one of the most remarkable finds in Scotland’s history will be marked in Dunfermline this weekend.

Two hundred years ago this weekend the remains of one of Scotland’s most famous heroes were discovered in the Fife town.

Workmen excavating the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey on February 17 1818 to prepare it for the building of a new church stumbled across the final resting place of one of the nation’s best known kings, Robert the Bruce.

The discovery provoked worldwide interest and placed Scotland’s ancient capital – resting place of many kings and queens – in the global spotlight.

The finest forensic scientists of the time were later deployed and held that the uncovered grave was that of the celebrated king.

To mark the rediscovery of the Bruce’s tomb, the Abbey Church will be open from 11am to 2pm on Saturday so people can visit the tomb situated behind the church’s pulpit.

The following day will see the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, preach at a special service at 10.30am in the abbey.

This will be the first of a number of milestones marked in the life of the Abbey Church of Dunfermline.

The service will be followed by a special lunch at the Glen Pavilion, at which a new appeal will be launched to help provide direct support to refugees and also support the Abbey Church of Dunfermline restoration fund to ensure the preservation of the church which has a proud legacy as a place of sanctuary and refuge.

David Bradwell, refugee coordinator for Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees, will deliver an address entitled When I Needed A Neighbour.

Abbey minister the Rev MaryAnn Rennie said: “This is the first of a series of significant anniversaries in the life of the historic Abbey Church, a constant presence in the life of Dunfermline and Scotland for over a thousand years.

“We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the Abbey Church of Dunfermline to mark this important and historic anniversary in the life of not just Dunfermline, but Scotland.”

A series of events have been planned to mark a number of significant dates for the church later this year and over the next three years.

Historic Dunfermline Abbey, where a number of Scottish kings and queens were laid to rest.

Pictures: Keith Rennie. The tomb of King Robert the Bruce, in the Abbey Church, will be open for visitors on Saturday, and, right, the floor of the church.