Dunfermline announces a Festival fit for a King

Published on 31/05/2011 14:51

DUNFERMLINE should be regarded as the rightful home of Robert the Bruce, according to the organisers of a festival in his honour.

• This year's Bruce Festival in Dunfermline includes reenactments of life in medieval Scotland.

Organisers of the annual Bruce Festival, which takes place in August, say the event's popularity emphasises the link between the hero of Bannockburn and the Fife town.

King Robert the Bruce is buried at Dunfermline Abbey and each year thousands of visitors head to the town to celebrate his achievements.

Speaking at the launch of this year's festival programme yesterday, the head of the group which organises the two-day celebration said it was becoming an "event of national importance".

Susan Hughes, chief executive of Dunfermline Delivers, added: "As a spectacle for visitors it has something for everyone and we believe that we've made Dunfermline the best place to celebrate the Robert the Bruce story.

"With the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn on the horizon and the Second Year of Homecoming in 2014, it's a great opportunity to bring more and more visitors to Dunfermline which in turn provides a big boost to the local economy."

Lord Elgin, the 11th Earl of Elgin and Chief of the Family of Bruce, said: "The Bruce Festival brings to life this wonderful story of one of Scotland's greatest heroes.

"It is important that people can sample the harsh touch of medieval Scotland and understand what life would have been like 700 years ago.

"Dunfermline is a marvelous setting for the Festival and we're pleased to welcome visitors from all over Scotland and further afield."

The Festival runs from August 27-28 and centres on the recreation of an authentic medieval village which attracted over 16,000 visitors to the 2010 event.

A food fayre celebrating the best of Fife's local produce hosted by chef and food consultant, Christopher Trotter, will be among the main attractions alongside battle reenactments performed by the Clanranald Trust and displays of archery, falconry and traditional arts and crafts.

Find out more: www.visitdunfermline.com