Saturday 20th June was the annual commemoration of the battle of Bannockburn.
This year’s march was a short one due to road works and the official headquarters of the SNP pulling out of this year’s event and leaving it to the local branch/council to run themselves.

A good size crowd had gathered at the 1314 pub for the short march up to the Bruce monument in Bannockburn.
A good few societies were present which included Crann Tara, Siol Nan Gaidheal, Na fir Dileas, Clann Gaidhealach, Ken Shira and the Scottish Templar Knights, 40 Bowmen of St.Sebastian (Strathleven Artizans) along with members of the general public. (Sorry if I missed anyone out)

On arrival at the Bannockburn Cairn a short commemorated service was held by Ken shira in honour of the brave men who gave their lives at the Battle of Bannockburn, followed by the laying of wreaths from the Templar Knights the SNP and others.
On the completion of the service a Saltire appeared in the sky to the south of the Bannockburn how fitting was this, at this time?.
We then had a bit of tribal drumming from Clanadonia who had the blood pumping thru the Scottish veins capped off a perfect afternoon.

 This was an opportunity to catch up with some folk we had not seen in a while and say hello etc, it was good to see and talk to Hugh McDonald and was sorry to hear he had a slight stroke we wish him well and a speedy recovery.

The 40 Bowmen headed down to the Bannockburn centre at the invitation of Scott McMaster (Manager) where they were having a history talk on the battle of Bannockburn.
After an introduction by Scott we watched a short film on Bannockburn looking through the eyes of a young boy who tells the story of the battle, it is a brilliant film well done Scott.
We then had a history talk by Chris Brown (historian) on his version of the Battle of Bannockburn which I must admit I don’t agree with.
I must add that Scott McMaster is doing a brilliant job with the Bannockburn Centre; the room we saw the film in is decked out in the flags and crests of the Kings and knights who took part in the battle he told us of the plans for the centre certainly a big improvement from a few years ago, so watch this space exciting times ahead.

Night time saw us head to the Bannockburn Arms for a bite to eat and a fantastic evening of entertainment from Bowman Ted Christopher, Gaberlinzie and Clanadonia.

First up was Ted who gave his usual brilliant best with his own songs with style and charisma, followed by Clanadonia who topped the performance at Bannockburn and had the whole pub rocking, I spent 5 days with those guys in Fuengirola and saw them play many times but this performance for me was the best I have seen them do it was superb pure magic.
We then had Gaberlinzie and must admit this was the first time I have seen them live and it was worth the wait they are magic must have played for nearly 2 hours and had the crowd up on their feet dancing away looking forward to seeing them again.
We also had Rab doing the dirk dance not a lot of room but he did the business well done.
The night was brought to a closed by Ted, the pub was getting a bit hectic when we had to leave and on leaving saw Ted mike smacking him full on the mouth when a large crowd dancing in a circle in front of him accidently caught the mike, so I do hope Ted is feeling OK.
To all the guys who entertained us.
Well done one and all, thanks for a brilliant night’s entertainment.

Thanks to all the Bowmen who attended this event,
you know who you are…………………….!!!!!!!!!!!

5 years to the big one and counting…………………………..

 

Yours Jim Tannock
Strathleven Artizans.