I’ll march into Scotland’s biggest ever battle... and that’s my Pinkie promise
Arran has loved Scottish war stories since he was 14.
Vanessa Redgrave as Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1971 film. Du n g l a s s, In n e r w i c k Castle, Dunbar, East L inton and Prestonpans will all be stops along the way.
The 45-mile trek through the past will end at the battlefield at 1pm
next Sunday. THERE are fears that much of Scotland’s military past could be lost to modernday developments.
“The Scottish Battlefield Trust was set up because battlefields are increasingly vulnerable,” said Arran.
“We’ve seen big threats
“I’m fascinated by his personality, his flaws as well as his strengths.
“Thankfully, my wife Fiona understands my passion and joins in some of the events.
“Our daughter Charlotte, who is three, is also getting involved. She’s going to play the infant Mary, Queen of Scots at this month’s spectacular re-enactment.”
Arran even teaches soldiers how to taunt the opposition with Gaelic curses.
“This period isn’t commonly reenacted so we’re really hoping to give visitors a real feel of life then.
“We’ve spent two years effectively building an army from scratch, teaching men to fight with pikes and even getting authentic uniforms.
“We’ll set up the camps and visitors can wander round listening in to plans and debates.”
Pinkie will be fought again at Newhailes Estate as par t of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
The battle itself took place in September 1547 when the armies of Scotland and England clashed to determine who should.marry the young Mary, Queen of Scots.
The larger Scottish army attacked across the River Esk but faced a hail of arrows, cannon and gunshot and it ended in calamitous defeat.
To find out the Honest Truth about Mary, Queen of Scots, turn to page 43.