On Saturday the 15th of June, members of the Bruce family from the United States of America visited Clackmannan to see the town and tower once owned by their family. Having had advance notice of their arrival, a full morning of events were planned, with Historic Environment Scotland engaged to provide tours of the tower.
In the Bruce Lounge on Main Street, provided by the Clackmannan Development Trust, there was a presentation from Clackmannanshire Council's Archivist, Susan Yule, a family tree laid out, prepared by Ian Russell, and video of the 1949 Clackmannan Pageant, featuring The Earl of Elgin, and Robert the Bruce's sword, which he owns. This and other presentation materials were laid out by the Clackmannan Heritage Group, who were also giving tours of the town.
Part of Ian Russell's Bruce Family Tree
Members of the Clackmannan parish church were providing tours of the graveyard, the church and grounds being a Bruce resting place. The Cycling Without Age team were giving 10 minute tours on their tri-shaws for interested visitors.
The group congregated on the Clackmannan Town Hall for lunch, where they were graced with a visit from The Earl of Mar and Kellie, who talked with many of the visitors about the local area. As the Bruce family Chief, Lord and Lady Bruce also spent some time with the visitors where entertainment was provided by the excellent Pipe Major, Amy Low, who played several tunes for the visitors.
The Earl of Mar and Kellie (Centre Left), and Lord and Lady Bruce are flanked by members of the Clackmannanshire Heritage Group
Links
https://familyofbruceinternational.org
Clackmannanshire Development Trust
Pipe Major Amy Low