The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Invasion from the Bruce
Bruce’s army will take up arms to march on Dunfermline this August.
But no Bannockburn this, for Scotland’s ancient capital will again be “set buzzing” by an action-packed celebratory weekend to mark the life and times of the legendary king, Robert the Bruce.
BRUCE’S ARMY will take up arms to march on Dunfermline this August.
But no Bannockburn this, for Scotland’s ancient capital will again be “set buzzing” by an action-packed celebratory weekend to mark the life and times of the legendary king, Robert the Bruce.
Under blue skies, the Bruce Festival was launched in Dunfermline’s Abbot House yesterday with organisers Dunfermline Delivers pledging something for everyone – with a sword procession, grand opening party and new family treasure quest among this year’s additions – as the festival seeks to enhance its reputation as one of Scotland’s top historical events.
Dunfermline Delivers’s chief executive Maggie Mitchell said: “We are really excited about this year’s festival, which we’re aiming to make the biggest and best yet.”
The festival will again centre on a medieval village recreated in Pittencrieff Park where there will be an array of drama and action. Performers will include historical interpretation company Living History, Medieval Methil, Strathleven Artisans, Les Amis D’onnno and the Scottish Lime Centre.
“We know that visitors love the spectacle of jousting, battle re-enactments and historical entertainment within the village setting, but we want to ensure that the whole town comes alive for the weekend.
“We’re determined to create a real buzz around this year’s event,” she said.
There will be a sword procession starting at Bruce’s final resting place, the Abbey, which will wind through the town centre before the sword is presented ceremonially to King Robert in the main arena. Also on the agenda will be the ultimate Bruce family treasure hunt where families can track down clues to lead them to the royal treasure.
Running over August 25 and 26, the festival will be kicked off with a grand opening dinner and ceilidh at the Glen Pavilion. Dunfermline Delivers is targeting a record attendance of 20,000 visitors for the eighth year of the event.
“This represents a major economic opportunity for businesses in Dunfermline and, as well as organising a fabulous event, we’re also focused on helping our members take full advantage of this influx of people to the town,” Maggie added.
“We know that last year’s festival created an immediate spend of over £300,000, as well as the benefits that arise from the city’s increasing profile as a visitor destination in the longer term.”
Also announced were a number of initiatives to help Dunfermline’s traders, including a special Bruce Festival pack.
Graham Henderson, vice-chairman of Dunfermline Delivers, said: “We hope that businesses will really embrace the event and show that the ancient capital can throw a medieval party to be proud of.
“As well as being an opportunity to attract customers into Dunfermline, it should also be about fun and enjoyment.
“We’re encouraging shops to dress their windows, staff to dress up for the weekend and traders to lay on special Bruce Festival offers to visitors.”
The Alfred Stewart Property Foundation is again the main private sponsor of the festival and its managing director, Gifford Bruce, said: “The schedule that’s been revealed continues to build on the festival’s community roots and it’s something that people in Dunfermline feel very proud of.
“The festival is central to enhancing the profile of Dunfermline as a visitor destination, with all of the economic opportunities that this brings with it.”