Declaration of Arbroath to form exhibition centrepiece

Published on 09/08/2005 12:24

ONE of the most important documents in Scotland's history is set to go on display in Edinburgh next week.

Conservators have been working with Heriot-Watt University engineers to ensure the 14th century Declaration of Arbroath is not damaged during its showing.

The National Archives of Scotland will feature the Declaration as the centrepiece of the For Freedom Alone exhibition at the Scottish Parliament from Monday.

It will also detail a number of laws passed by the Scottish Parliament at Scone during Robert the Bruce's reign. The Declaration, a letter to Pope John XXII from Scottish barons on April 6, 1320, was written on parchment.

The Heriot-Watt team, under the leadership of Professor Bob Reuben of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, have built a sealed display case which will be filled with a low-oxygen atmosphere.

Once installed, the Declaration will form the centrepiece of the exhibition, along with the 14th century Ayr Manuscript and the Lbeck letter, issued by William Wallace in 1297.

The exhibition will run in the main hall until September 9.