The 750th Anniversary of King Robert the Bruce

That the Parliament congratulates the many Dumfries and Galloway organisations that are celebrating the 750th anniversary of the birth of King Robert the Bruce; notes that this event is supported by the major sponsorship of Jardine Funerals, Historic Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival and collaborations with Mostly Ghostly Tours, Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club, Dumfries Museum, Dumfries and Galloway Heritage Service, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Wordsmith Crafts, HM Prison Dumfries, Guid Nychburris Association, Dumfries Family History Society, VisitScotland, The Barony of Buittle, and dozens of local community organisations and businesses; understands that the region is hosting a six-month long programme of events highlighting the influential and pivotal role that Dumfries and Galloway played in the life of the most famous King of Scots, and his lasting impact on Scottish medieval history; celebrates the memory of Robert the Bruce as a visionary leader, accepted as Scotland’s most successful monarch and one of Scotland’s most iconic heroes, who was also Lord of Annandale, which was the seat of the Bruce family and where he forged his alliances and honed the skills that provided the foundations from which he propelled his journey to the throne; understands that the six-month programme of events was launched on 10 February 2024 with the annual Commemoration of the Slaying of John, The Red, Comyn at the Church of the Greyfriars in Dumfries and will bring to life the story of The Bruce through a series of educational experiences, walks, talks, tours, films and interactive-themed events, including tours, immersive experiences, and that it will conclude with a special weekend of activities to celebrate the anniversary of The Bruce’s birth on the weekend of 13-14 July; notes that the series of events is designed to inspire the region to take ownership of the multifaceted, eclectic, and fascinating range of history associated with the life and times of Robert the Bruce, and wishes everyone across the region all the best for an exciting six months of celebrating the man behind the Declaration of Arbroath and Scotland’s independence.