Let Fallen rest

Last weekend thousands of indy supporters marched from Stirling to the ancient battlefield of Bannockburn following a call from organisers All Under One Banner. Not the march itself but the destination gave me food for thought.

Many participants marching for Scottish independence probably did so in the spirit of peace and civility. Others might have seen Bannockburn as particularly suited for demanding the “end of London rule”, as stated on some placards. After all, it was the 704th anniversary of a battle won by a Scottish army which was greatly outnumbered by its English opponent. One might be forgiven for thinking that the march was taking a fresh fight between old enemies to one of their previous battlefields.

From a pacifist point of view every battlefield – whether Bannockburn or Waterloo or Stalingrad – is a poignant reminder of the madness of armed hostility. What counts is the loss of human life, regardless of creed or nationality. 704 years ago the soil on which Yes folk enjoyed their rally was drenched in the blood of thousands of men, people like you and me who probably died a horrific death.

This is what we, as human beings, should reflect on at places like Bannockburn – honour the dead on both sides and let them rest in peace.

REGINA ERICH Willow Row, Stonehaven