Edinburgh Castle was retrieved for Robert the Bruce in March 1314, but the assault was led by Bruce’s nephew, Thomas Randolph, not the fictional Alasdair MacAulay. Interestingly, the daring route was suggested by one William Francis, who had used it while stationed in the keep to make discreet jaunts into town for his romantic liaisons.
wasRobert the Bruce died—after uniting Scotland beneath his hand—in 1329 in Cardross above the Clyde at fifty-five years of age. Ironically, he died before word of a papal bull pronouncing the legitimacy of his kingship could reach him. That kingship, so arduously won, would not continue smoothly in his absence and ultimately, Scotland would surrender to England’s rule once more.
There are many wonderful stories surrounding Robert the Bruce—including that
