STIRLING. BANNOCKBURN. GILLIES HILL,
                          PROTEST MARCH JUNE 2010

The Artizans thought it right by attending this very important rally to save the famous Gillies Hill from becoming another moneymaking quarry. Hundreds of people showed up in protest and marched through the scorching heat just as the ‘sma’ folk did seven hundred years before during the famous battle of Bannockburn. Once reaching the Bannockburn monument it was the turn of MSPs to rally support, and the now rested and thirsty walkers listened to stirring speeches.

King Robert the Bruce gave orders that the camp followers, grooms, ‘small folk’ and others too ill-armed to be included in his schiltrons should retire with the wagon train of food and equipment to a valley hidden behind Gillies Hill and that the straggling bands who, though adequately armed, had arrived too late for enrolment in his trained formations should accompany them and wait there until summoned.

As the battle reached a climax a signal was given to the watchers on Gillies Hill and over its crest appeared all the camp followers, servants and those who arrived too late for Bruce to incorporate them in his formations, rank upon rank in massed array, with broad sheets for banners upon poles and spears. As they came down the hill and saw the battle below them and the English beginning to falter, they gave a great shout of ‘Upon them, upon them! When the English saw this vast host approaching, they believed it to be a second Scottish army and all hope left them.

Stirling is one of the most important places in Scottish history, this is where Scotland was made and became a nation once more. This hill is just important as the Bannock burn itself and should be saved as a reminder to all where the simple folk of Scotland made a stance and a difference.
The Artizans say ‘SAVE GILLIES HILL!!’

A big thank you to our members for making the hot journey and by accomplishing the walk over Gillies Hill, well done we’re proud of you all:
Duncan Thomson, Elspeth Crocket, Chris Pollock, Harriet Chatten, ‘wee Douglas’ -Connor Robert James Pollock and Paul Hunter.