The Society all met up at the Bruce Hotel and then travelled down to Stirling Bridge for the speakers and some songs. You would have thought that your friends in the Society, knowing I had missed Dublin for the football and was gutted about it  would not have said much but it was Dublin this Dublin that... It was a great sight once we had parked our cars and walking down and seeing all the tartan, saltires and lion rampants awaiting us. It was a gorgeous day and after sorting out who was carrying the Society banners and speaking to everyone, we then had the pleasure of listening to John Robertson of the Andrew De Moray project, and then our very own George Kempik who were both outstanding. Ted Christopher then said a few words. and later while he was singing "I'm coming home" Ted had previously asked me to lower the newly built Saltire on the site after he started singing and then raise it when he started singing the chorus, "For Scotland, St Andrew and Freedom", that was my first greet of the day. We then got organised for the march and headed off to the Rotunda at Bannockburn. It was an extremely hot day and the Society were proudly at the front of the march, about half way there, we needed some much needed fluid intake due to the weather. Lesley Matthews and myself sent my daughter Abbey to get some fluids but she came back with nothing but an ice cream for herself, so much for that plan.

Near the end of the march the Society passed the honour of leading the march to the battlefield over to the Strathleven Artizans, done as a symbol of Wallace handing over the reigns to Bruce and finishing off what William Wallace had started.

Ted welcomed everyone to the event with a few very poignant words and then handed over to Ken Shirra of the Knights Templar who has been present at Bannockburn for over thirty years. Next was the tour guide from Edinburgh whose name escapes me for the moment, he gave us a great insight into the battle and how it must have been for the poor souls we were here to remember. The following speaker was always going to get me greeting again, with it being my daughter Abbey of the Young Lions and even though I am her Dad and trying not to be biased, she was outstanding, I don't even have that confidence at fifty never mind at fourteen. She was followed by a member of the SNP who spoke about today's struggle for freedom, which will hopefully not be too far away.

Unfortunately we had to head home so we missed the evening event but I have it on good account it was an outstanding success and everyone had a brilliant time.

A big thank you to Ted Christopher for all his efforts in organising this event. If you missed it this year, then get it in your diary for next year, as it's a fantastic event to be a part of.

Yours Aye
Gary Stewart
Convenor