Robert the Bruce rides again to defend historic Gillies' Hill

MORE than 500 people took part in a march yesterday to save the famous hill that concealed Robert the Bruce's "secret reserve" at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Campaigners fear Gillies' Hill in Cambusbarron, by Stirling, could disappear, under plans to quarry the site for whinstone, used for road building.

On the last Sunday before the 697th anniversary of the battle, campaign group Save the Gillies' Hill led "the March of the Gillies" through the village and to the quarry site before taking the field at Bannockburn.

In the 1314 battle, Scottish servants, cart drivers and camp followers, seeing the tide turn in Bruce's favour, emerged from behind the hill and sparked panic in the English ranks, who thought them "reinforcements".

Marchers were led by campaigners dressed as Robert the Bruce, the Earl of Moray, and other figures from the historic victory over Edward II's army.