Robert the Bruce almost misses battle

HUNDREDS of history enthusiasts from across Europe yesterday gathered to re-enact Scotland’s most famous victory over the English at Bannockburn.

About 5,000 spectators flocked to the historic site near Stirling to see some 200 actors and history enthusiasts re-stage the 1314 battle.

Participants came from as far away as Poland, Italy, Ireland and Bavaria to take part in the re-staging of the main battle where Robert the Bruce led the Scots to victory over Edward II’s forces.

However, the star of the show almost failed to make the battle after breaking down on the motorway. The actor playing Bruce and his horse missed Friday’s rehearsal after becoming stranded in the Midlands with a broken trailer, but they arrived in time for the main event.

"We recruited a replacement Robert the Bruce for the rehearsal, but fortunately the stranded one arrived safely late last night," said a spokeswoman.