How Robert the Bruce Secured the Scottish Throne
Discover how Robert the Bruce transformed his victory at Bannockburn into lasting dominance over Scotland. Learn how strategic alliances, land redistribution, and continued warfare helped him secure the Scottish throne and solidify his dynasty’s future.
Uncovering Merlin’s Scottish Legacy: New Archaeological Findings at Drumelzier
Excavations at Tinnis Fort, which overlooks Merlin’s Grave, revealed that this prominent hillfort was occupied around the late sixth and early seventh centuries AD.
Robert the Bruce’s Face Unveiled in 3D at Dunfermline Abbey
To mark the 750th anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s birth, a new 3D model – produced from a cast of his skull – is now on display to the public at Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.
The Weardale Campaign (1327)
In 1327, Scottish forces invaded England, posing the first test for the newly crowned Edward III. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English response turned out so badly.
Stone of Destiny fragment analyzed
Historic Environment Scotland has carried out a series of cutting-edge, non-destructive scientific analyses of the sandstone fragment, comparing it to previous examinations of the Stone of Destiny.
Elcho Castle in Scotland reopens
A 16th-century tower house in northeastern Scotland has reopened to visitors after Historic Environment Scotland carried out necessary repairs to its masonry.
The Battle of Dupplin Moor
James Turner analyses this 14th-century battle in Scotland.
The Battle of Halidon Hill (1333)
Scotland and England are at war again, with the important border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed under siege. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English were able to inflict a quick and devastating defeat on the Scots.
Face of Mary, Queen of Scots, revealed
To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland has released a digital 3D model of Mary’s face based on her death mask.
Medieval stone depicting ‘Govan Warrior’ discovered in Scotland
Archaeologists working in the Scottish city of Glasgow have discovered an early medieval carved stone of a warrior figure. Dubbed the ‘Govan Warrior’, it is a unique object, even compared to other medieval stone artifacts found at the Govan Old Churchyard.
DNA study reveals the origins of the medieval Picts
The Picts, a people who inhabited Scotland during the Middle Ages, have always had a sense of mystery to them. A new study using DNA has revealed new details about their origins.
Alexander III, King of Scotland: A Child on the Throne and Schemers all Around
Alexander III’s reign both began and ended in crisis.
Changing his tune: Robert Bruce, Ireland, and the Papacy
Robert Bruce had been on a mission for over a decade by 1318, intent on forcing a peace treaty out of England acknowledging Scottish independence and his own rights as king.
The Death of a Templar Master
The Templars were forbidden to engage in fighting against other Christians. Shockingly, however, the Templar Master Brian le Jay died fighting for Edward I against the Scots in 1298. How was this possible and what did it mean?
The Battle of Bannockburn (1314)
The most famous battle in Scottish history took place at Bannockburn in 1314. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries examine how Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was able to defeat the English led by King Edward II.
New Medieval Books: The Hot Trod: A History of the Anglo-Scottish Border
While billed as covering from Roman times to today, the bulk of this book focuses on the 13th to 16th centuries, a period of long conflict between Scotland and England.
The Templars in Scotland
Scotland played an unrecognised but central part in creating the power template for the Templar order in Britain.
The Norse and the Sea: the Maritime Cultural Landscape of Scandinavian Scotland
This paper presents early results of the ongoing research project The Norse and the Sea with particular emphasis on the fieldwork carried out on the Isle of Eigg in September 2022.
Edward I and the Scottish Succession Crisis of 1290
A long history of Anglo-Scottish relations would lead to Edward I becoming the person who would determine the next King of Scotland.
Castle Campbell reopens to visitors
Dating back to the 15th century, Castle Campbell is one of Scotland’s best-preserved tower house castles. It has now reopened to visitors after being closed for more than a year because of safety issues.
The Stone of Destiny is set of for the Coronation of Charles III
The Stone of Destiny, the medieval symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, has been sent from Edinburgh Castle to Westminster Abbey, where it will serve an important role in the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Ireland, Scotland, and the Hundred Years War: A New Vista
This paper will consider how the Gaelic aristocracy interacted with ‘European’ affairs in this period.
Markings revealed on the Stone of Destiny, new research finds
Cutting-edge digital technologies and scientific analysis have revealed more of the story of the Stone of Destiny, the medieval symbol of Scotland’s monarchy which has long held fascination and intrigue due to the mystery of its earliest origins.
The Battle of Falkirk (1298)
William Wallace comes up against King Edward I in a fight for Scotland. Will the battle be like what you see in the movie Braveheart? This episode of Bow and Blade has Michael and Kelly looking at the English-Scottish wars of the late 13th century.