Just a few years away from the anniversary of Bannockburn, and already the heads were ruling the hearts as the Artizans set camp at the Retunda just in touching distance of the huge proud statue of our King Robert the Bruce, looking down on the event with lowered brow. A handful of die-hard patriots blasting the pipes and beating the drums of remeberence took the field in all colours flying saltires and lion rampants in memory of the famous battle that set Scotland onto becoming an independent nation. There should have been tens of thousands more there in appreciation of the sacrifice our ancestors gave through terrible struggle and strife, paid in full by their lives and hardships.

Again it was the same braveheart Scots who took the field, shouting in celebration, touching the past history with our thanks, carrying forward the message of hope. There were speakers just like any other year. Without mentioning them, there were good, some great and some down right out of place and an-affront to the day. Later on in the evening there was even reports of disagreements and distrust amongst the other members of other groups, something which leaves a bad taste in the mouth of what we as brothers and sisters represent.

We the Strathleven Artizans would like to state that ALL groups big or small contribute equally to the message for all and to the most important factor; which is the nation of Scotland and all that we as a people hold dearly to her. This means lowering the flag of religion or politics and setting aside all bigotry and differences and to back the main aim of Scotland as a country and proclaiming her people as equal and important citizens to this realm no matter the status or background.

The Strathleven Artizans would like to thank our own foot soldiers for rallying on the day and for displaying a successful stall admired by all. You all know who you are. Well-done Ted Christopher for getting the hearts pumping with music for the cause. The hard work given by all is now coming to the attention of others and we are taking huge strides forward as an organisation. Congratulations! Scotland is proud of you all. We leave by acknowledging the fallen that fought long before us so that we may fly under the banner of ‘Scots’.

God bless the fields of Bannockburn.