Salmond sends King Edward home again … for his tea?

Alex Salmond visited Stirling Castle yesterday, where he announced construction work would start this summer on a visitor centre to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The First Minister also met children from Borestone Primary School, dressed for battle, 1314-style. At Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce’s army defeated the forces of the English king, Edward II.

Mr Salmond said the tender process for the centre at the battle site was under way, with contractors shortlisted for building work and conservation of listed monuments, including the statue of Robert the Bruce.

He said the eyes of the world would be on Scotland during 2014, and he hailed the project as “the most ambitious partnership between the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland”.