CELEBRATING THE DECLARATION OF ARBROATH

A new exhibition is re-telling the story of The Declaration of Arbroath as part of the commemorations of one of the most iconic documents in Scotland’s history. The exhibition at the newly refurbished visitor centre in the grounds of Arbroath Abbey features 50 historic artefacts, telling the story of the Abbey and its key role in Scottish history. The Declaration was sent in 1320 from Arbroath Abbey to Pope John XXII by Scotland’s barons, asking the Pontiff to recognise Robert the Bruce as the lawful King of Scots. The new exhibition includes an animated film on the letter and its reception by the Pope and a digital reconstruction of the Abbey as it would have been at the time of the Declaration. Included in the exhibition is the new Arbroath Tapestry, handmade by local embroiderers to celebrate the Declaration’s 700th anniversary and designed by East Lothian artist Andrew Crummy, who was involved with the Great Tapestry of Scotland. www.historicenvironment.scot