The Strathleven Artizans were proud to accept an invitation from Elspeth Kimng at the Stirling Smith Museum in Stirling to attend the book launch of ‘Men of Bannockburn.’ The book had been made possible by the Italian Institute of Edinburgh and the Stirling Smith Museum. The Artizans were treated to fine food and drink and entertained in the fabulous viewing room by song , poetry, medieval weapons display and the company of Italian VIP’s and dignitaries. There was even two King Robert the Bruce’s…a bonus for everyone.

The book itself is filled with fantastic illustrations such as Scottish and English knights who were both present at Bannockburn. Such names include:

King Robert the Bruce, Edward Bruce, Gilbert De Hay, Robert Keith, Thomas Randolph, Angus Og MacDonald, James Douglas, Alexander Fraser, Robert Boyd, Laurence Abernethy, Alexander Seton, Niall Campbell, Walter Stewart, William Sutherland and the Knights Templar plus various other English Knights.

Illustrations in the book are from Marco Trecalli, Historical contents from Dr. Steve Boardman and Elspeth King and translated by Prof. Jonathan Usher and Dr. Phil Cooke. Graphic design was from Tommaso Chiarolini. This book is seen as Italy’s gift to Scotland and to Stirling and they are hoping it aspires Scottish artists to think creatively about our shared heritage. It also has a great advantage as it is written from an Italian point of view regarding Bannockburn which makes it very unique indeed with some home truths been written and to be taken onboard.

Well done again to the Artizan foot soldiers that made it to Stirling on the day for this very important book launch.

By Paul Hunter