Bruce's Stone

After a couple of days of torrential rain on our recent trip to Dumfries, we were finally treated to some sunshine and so we ventured out to Galloway Forest. An absolutely beautiful part of the country, and huge at 200,000 acres (!), you can spend days exploring the forest. The Loch Trool area was recommended to us, and it didn't disappoint. There was wildlife everywhere, and we even spotted 2 adders on our wander - the first I've ever seen.

Overlooking Loch Trool stands the large granite boulder known as Bruce's Stone. It doesn't particularly look out of place as there are lots of large, granite boulders lying about on the hills surrounding, though this one marks a pivotal moment in Scottish history.

In 1307 Scotland was under English rule. Robert the Bruce, a Scottish nobleman, had recently been crowned King of the Scots but faced overwhelming odds. In a desperate bid to turn the tide, he chose the remote and rugged landscape of Glentrool as the stage for a daring ambush.

The English army, confident in their superior strength, marched along the shores of Loch Trool, unaware of the trap that awaited them. Bruce's men, concealed in the surrounding hills, unleashed a torrent of stones upon the unsuspecting invaders.

The English were caught completely off guard, their ranks thrown into chaos. The ensuing battle, known as the Battle of Trool, was a decisive victory for the Scots, a much-needed boost to their morale and a turning point in the Wars of Independence.

The granite boulder was erected in 1929, the 600th anniversary of the King's death and is located on the bank of Loch Trool, overlooking the likely location of the battle. Bruce's Stone has become a memorial to a pivotal battle and a lasting tribute to the man who would become one of Scotland's greatest heroes.

The south face of the stone is simply inscribed “Unveiled 5th June 1929”, while the northern face has been polished and inscribed as follows:

'In loyal remembrance of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, whose victory in this glen over an English force in March 1307, opened the campaign of independence which he brought to a decisive close at Bannockburn on 24 June 1314.'

Bruce's stone is well worth a visit for the views if nothing else, but we recommend extending your walk around the forest as the scenery is knock-out. Enjoy!