Scone Palace to host Robert the Bruce’s ‘Great Throne’

Created by the Strathleven Artisans in 2014 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, the group will deliver the throne to the Palace at 11.00am on Saturday (September 12) in full period costume to celebrate the throne’s Royal arrival.

The throne, which was created in partnership with Historic Scotland to celebrate King Robert’s identity and vision for Scotland, was constructed using timber from across Scotland including pieces from Scone Palace, Turnberry where Bruce was born and the battlefield at Bannockburn. Wood will also feature from one of the largest and oldest trees in Scotland, the Bruce Oak from Strathleven Estate, which fell following a fire in 2005. This tree would have been a sapling when the King himself owned the estate seven centuries ago.

Since the Bruce Oak fell, the throne project has been ten years in the making and has been exhibited internationally already since its completion, visiting Teba in Spain earlier this year with plans for it to travel to Pennsylvania, USA after its stay with Scone Palace. The Strathleven Artiszans, who aim to promote historical links to King Robert the Bruce and Kind David II, also plan to use the Throne as an educational tool to bring history to life.

Duncan Thomson, chairman of Strathleven Artisans, said: “Strathleven Artizans have worked since 2006 to promote Robert the Bruce, his family and the period in which he lived in our area. Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland’s best-known monarchs, and his story has captivated people for generations. It has been amazing being able to showcase the traditionally crafted throne to so many brand new audiences, both young and old, internationally and here in Scotland. We are delighted to bring the ‘Great Throne’ to Scone Palace where King Robert the Bruce was crowned all those years ago.”

The Throne is based on studies of Bruce’s seal of 1316 where he is sitting on a throne featuring clawed feet and four mythological creatures on the arm rests, facing north, south east and west to protect the King from every direction.

Margo Baird, head of marketing at Scone Palace, added: “It is an immense privilege to exhibit this incredibly intricate hand crafted throne. We hope many members of the public will visit to admire the throne’s craftmanship and be inspired to learn about this celebrated Scottish King who had such strong historical links to Scone Palace.”

Robert the Bruce’s throne will be on display at Scone Palace until October 31 before it embarks on another adventure with the Strathleven Artizans.

To find out more, visit www.scone-palace.co.uk or www.strathlevenartizans.com