Strathleven Artizans formed in 2005 to promote the historical links between Robert Bruce who was King of Scots from 1306 to 1329 and the village of Renton. Other than Bannockburn (June 1314) the place most associated with the warrior king was the area around the present Renton village.
In 1325 King Robert broke with all tradition and chose to bring his royal court to the rural Parish of Cardross where he extended a large hunting lodge, turning it into a royal manor house. He did this because in 1324 his son and heir, David II (King of Scots 1329-1371), was born at Dunfermline Abbey whilst the family were resident at the palace in Perth. This place was very damp and an unsuitable place to bring up a young family and King Robert decided to relocate his court to Pailleanflath , Gaelic for "Tent of the King" or "Pavillion of the Great Hero" thought to be at the east end of the village of Renton in the area now known as Dalquhurn. The King remained at the Manor House until his death on the 7th June 1329.
The work of Strathleven Artizans has three main strands:
Telling the story of the Bruce through personal appearances at schools, clubs, societies and historical gatherings in Scotland and internationally, through the website and publications.
The King Robert the Bruce Heritage Centre in Renton village is open every day to visitors. It holds many artefacts relating to the life of The Bruce and the work of the Artizans.
Within the Strathleven Artizans the 40 Bowmen of St Sebastian operate with the patronage of Andrew Bruce, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, the current head of the Bruce family and resident in Dunfermline. The Bowmen operate as a committee which raises funds and oversees the activities of the Artizans and the running of the Centre.
Our MEDIA TEAM will be uploading various films in the coming months, so please watch our new page for films. CLICK HERE
The Bruce
Inspired by an EH Harding etching from 1810.
this John Woodcock painting depicts Robert the Bruce circa 1310 in Strathleven.The king is framed by Ben Lomond and Dumbarton Castle.
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