Warriors pay to be in Battle of Bannockburn 701 years on
A MURAL of the Battle of Bannockburn has gone on display on the battlefield it depicts.
Chris Rutterford’s work, which is almost 100ft long, took more than a year to complete and features the faces of some famous Scots rather than historic warriors.
The project was crowdfunded, with people making donations to become a face in the mural and part of Robert the Bruce’s army.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly features beside the king in the mural, while former Scotland rugby captain Al Kellock is also depicted in battle.
One of the warriors is even carrying his pet cat in one hand and a battle axe in the other.
Mr Rutterford said he wanted to “emphasise the heartbeat of humanity at the historic site”.
The mural will remain in the Bannockburn visitor centre’s courtyard until October 31 and will be part of the 701st anniversary of the battle.
The artist, who has also painted large murals of Tam O’Shanter and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “As a proud Scot the battle of Bannockburn is something I’ve always wanted to paint.
“It is a defining moment in Scottish history and such a powerful story.
“Not just that but the spears are amazing. They set up stunning dynamics in the picture.
“I’m so pleased to have realised this ambition and to have it hung on the battlefield itself is a huge honour.
“I think you need real diversity in the crowd and it’s an iconic Scottish story, and everyone is allowed to have their own perspective on it.
“For me, allowing people to add their character to the image is the only way to give it a ring of truth.”