It was one of those days when the Artizans had to be in two places on the same day but Artizans/Bowmen were represented at the Battle of Falkirk commemoration by Mike, Kate, Alec, Fiona, Liz, Karen and myself.

While many parts of the country were hit by heavy showers the weather in Falkirk was bright and sunny almost as though the spirits of the men who died in the battle were smiling upon us. We started off in traditional fashion by assembling at Falkirk Old Parish where the procession was led off by Artizans Karen, Fiona and myself. As the procession wound it's way down the High Street to the sound of the Tulliallan Pipes and Drums, many local people merged in with the 150 or so patriots to follow us down to the memorial cairn. Also represented in the march were The Society of William Wallace, Siol nan Gaidheal, The Knights Templar, Na fir Dileas, The Fellowship of the Thistle, Camelon History Society,The men of Bute and The SNP (Apologies if I've missed anyone ).

The ceremony began with a benediction by Ken Shira followed by the raising of the Saltire by Ewan Lawson from New Zealand. Then the colour party of Karen, Fiona, and I were piped down to the cairn by Alec (well done fellow patriot) followed by Siol and NFD and Fellowship Representatives to emplace the sword as a cross. After a prayer of remembrance, first speaker up was Sarah Crome who after a fine speech actually apologised for the actions of her fellow countrymen under Longshanks. Well it takes a lot of guts for an Englishwoman to do something like that in front of a partizan crowd and Sarah, I have to say you didn't have to do that but a lot of people were won over to your side on that one. We then had a medley from The Tulliallan Pipe Band followed by our second speaker Alistair Scott-Stewart( Big Appin) of The Fellowship of the Thistle who gave a rousing speech/rant about our need to join together in the interests of Scotland as a free and independant nation.This Fine speech was followed by the wreath laying ceremony by representatives of the groups mentioned above and the Bairns o' Falkirk flowers were laid by Sarah.This was followed by a minutes silence and a lament from Chris the NFD piper. Last up to speak was last minute draftee Dick Bird from the SNP who gave another fine speech. The ceremony closed with myself leading the assembled crowd in a rendition of Scots wha' hae and the Retiral of the sword as a cross. Ken then gave a final benediction and we retired to the Cladhan Hotel for a couple of hours refreshment and crac.

At The evening do in Camelon bowling club the audience were treated ( we think, lol ) to a few songs from Kate and I to start the proceedings, before the amazing Fiery Jack ripped the roof off with a storming set followed by Pies beans, and stovies to fortify the hungry ( Sir Thomas Randolph) The evening was rounded off with a raffle and another cracking set by the Fieries. All were agreed that it was a great day and night out. Roll on next year!

Report by Gordon Aitken.