Archaeologists to dig for Bannockburn secrets

A TEAM of archaeologists are set to continue their search for historic evidence from the 701 year old 1314 Battle of Bannockburn at the official site.

Archaeologists are to focus on the area where Robert the Bruce spent the night before the battle. Picture: John Devlin

Over the past two years, a team from the National Trust for Scotland and Glasgow University archaeology department have undertaken digs around the Borestone, Bannock Burn and Carse areas in Stirling, intended to help uncover evidence that will finally pinpoint the battlefield and explain more about the events of seven centuries ago.

The discoveries of the most recent dig were broadcast in The Quest for Bannockburn on the BBC last year.

The two-part programme featured Tony Pollard and Neil Oliver as the search for the battlefield continued.

Now attention is turning to the campsite where Robert the Bruce and his men spent the night before the battle, which is believed to be close to the commemorative monuments – the rotunda, flagpole, memorial cairn and equestrian statue which are on the Stirling site.

Volunteers are invited to get involved on site on 12 July.

Battle of Bannockburn experience Property Manager Scott McMaster said: “There are very few surviving artefacts from the battle and to date, there have been few major finds, so the quest to find out more about Bannockburn is very much alive.”

Volunteers are invited to come along and get involved in archaeological work on Sunday 12 July.