On the 7th of May the Society joined forces with The Strathleven Artizans for the first annual commemoration at Loudoun Hill in Ayrshire. Our timing was particularly poignant as it was only two days after a stunning election victory which may one day give Scotland back her freedom, which these two men fought so hard to provide us with.
Both men fought here against England’s forces who were hell bent on making our country part of their empire, they soon saw the error of their ways as both encounters resulted in stunning victories for the Scots.
There are probably few backdrops that can match Loudoun Hill in all her magnificence, if you haven't yet seen it you should make a point of doing so, it really is a beautiful part of the country.
We mustered at 2pm whereupon we set off on a short march to the Spirit of Scotland monument, it was grand to see so many saltires and banners fluttering in the wind, always a magnificent sight to behold.
On reaching the monument Society Convenor Duncan welcomed everyone to the first Loudoun Hill Commemoration and we started by laying a heart shaped wreath in memory of the fallen, the honour this year went to Kate Smith who also entertained us with a song later on in the proceedings.
First speaker of the day was local councillor Bobby McDill, a keen historian himself, Bobby gave us his local knowledge of the area.
Next up was Society Treasurer George Boyle who decided to use some big words which went down well with the assembled throng of patriots.
Next up we had probably the best looking speaker of the day, authoress Sarah Crome, an English lass who knows more about Scotland than some people we could mention, Sarah gave us a wonderful speech on two of Scotland's favourite sons.
Duncan Thomson of the Artizans gave us a few words which were off the cuff but described exactly what everyone was thinking and feeling at that particular moment.
We also had a magnificent and funny re-enactment of Wallace fighting some English soldiers who wanted to steal his fish, as legend has it the young rebel William Wallace was fishing at Irvine Water in 1292, when five of King Edward’s men arrived and demanded his catch. William offered them half but the intruders became violent and in the following struggle, William killed two or three of his attackers. The fight took place beside an ancient hawthorn known as the ‘bickering bush’ – where he hid the bodies – near Riccarton. The performance was warmly received and we had more than a few chuckles.
Duncan Fenton wrapped up proceedings and thanked everyone for their attendance on this, we hope the first of many many more. |
