Offsite Adventure - Battle of Bannockburn

#Bannockburn

This year marks the 700th anniversary celebrating of one of Scotland's most valued and anticipated events called the Battle of Bannockburn. It was a significant battle establishing Scotland's independence in which Robert the Bruce, using strategy and guerilla style fighting tactics, defeated the English. The grounds in which these are held is accompanied by several other events to include music from local artists, storyville for children, the land of food and drink, and the clan and family village.

Tickets originally began for this event at £83.50 and were reduced to £20 as the event did not sell as anticipated. However, with the lowering of the tickets, the event began to sell out quickly. The Battle of Bannockburn can easily stretch a students' budget between entry, food, alcohol, and additional £20 to see the actual re enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn itself so budgeting is important. Many students purchased their tickets well in advance and arrived early to get in the gates.

I shall say in casual chat speaking with locals, by time I went to Bannockburn I did not have to pay to get in.

This year Bannockburn was highly anticipated because of the Association of Highland Clan's and Societies. These were clans from all over Scotland where people could inquire and ask about ancestry and possible ties - down to DNA sampling.

It was flooded with people looking to identify and connect with roots and ancestry. This followed by beer, great food, and local music could be taken in along with local music to enjoy. The bands ranged from classical, traditional, to contemporary. My favorite was a band called Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire. Dressed on state with black suits and harmonic voices, they reminded me of a cross between Muse and Dave Matthews Band. 

Concluding but ever popular was the re enactment of the actual Battle of Bannockburn. With my unrestricted pass, I was able to forego the line that was so long it backed up to the entrance gates and arrive to receive a seat an hour early.

An hour BEFORE the actual re enactment began 

Even arriving early, the stands were already beginning to crowd. By time the place was seated there were hundreds, if not a thousand or so, people eagerly awaiting the battle. The battle was narrated (I'm sure for us that had no idea of it's significance) ladened with humor, sarcasm, and participation from the crowd supporting Scotland's vigilant and successful will at overthrowing England.

Towards the end, audience participation drowned the narrator with the thumbs up/thumbs down approach of the final capture being the leader of one of the English armies with an off with his head? or show mercy. The vote was unanimous from faithful Scots to show no mercy for the enemy.