Welcome to our events page. Below is a list of our upcoming EVENTS & EXPERIENCES.
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Robert the Bruce 750 Programme
The Gallovidian Way and it’s sister organisation, The Imaginarium, are delighted to be partnering with The Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust and The People’s Project Dumfries, alongside a host of local community groups and organisations to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the birth of Robert the Bruce.
The 6 month long eclectic programme of events and activities will showcase the influential and pivotal role our region played in the life and times of the most famous King Of Scots, as we follow in his footsteps across Dumfries & Galloway.
Children’s Robert The Bruce Trail
Follow the trail of Robert The Bruce across Historic Scotland sites in Dumfries & Galloway.
April – July 2024
Discover the Medieval Kitchen
Explore a range of medieval cooking equipment and find out how herbs and spices were used in cooking and in the home. Discover what was eaten in humble homes and in the castles of the wealthy. Presented with a range of artefacts in the atmospheric thatched cottage.
Robert the Bruce themed tours @ Caerlaverock Castle
Robert the Bruce themed tours at Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries.
Medieval Death & What Followed
Discover stories of the death of Robert the Bruce, and some of his companions.
Find out how people were buried in medieval times, what they believed happened after death, with ghost stories from that era.
You’ll also be able to see medieval gravestones and some bones including bones from the Bruce’s skeleton.
Tales from Medieval Times
Our storyteller will share tales of foolish kings, saints, travellers, tricksters and pilgrims.
All the stories were enjoyed in medieval times, and are suitable for adults and older children.
To Rescue Stirling With Battle: The Battle of Bannockburn 1314
On the anniversary of Bannockburn, join us for A Talk with Dr Callum Watson, from the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre & Author of ‘1314 The Year of Bannockburn’ .
Walk The Bruce Line - Uncovering Your Ancestry
GENEALOGY WITH EDITH REYNTEINS OF THE MEDIEVAL BRUCE HERITAGE TRUST
Join Edith as she talks you through her journey with her ancestry, and her Bruce lineage.
Robert the Bruce inspired Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
An exhibition of work by the gallery artists and makers will run throughout July and August with Robert the Bruce at its heart. Themed art and craft workshops will also be available to book during the exhibition.
Dark Tales of Old Annan
Join your trusty guides Mostly Ghostly, as we meander through courtyard and close, kirkyard and wynd.
Annan was the seat of the Bruce family as Lords of Annandale prior to their move to Lochmaben, hear about their family curse, and more tales from Annan’s murky, mysterious past.
Robert the Bruce 750 Celebrations @ Annan Riding of the Marches
Watch out for the Bruce family in the Procession (Annan High Street from 1pm approx.). Visit our display stand at the afternoon event at Annan Academy Playing Fields 2pm-4pm.
A day to celebrate the 750th birthday of Robert the Bruce, Lord of Annandale, King of Scot’s, in his ancestral seat.
Chilling Tales of Caerlaverock Castle
Join Mostly Ghostly as they wend their way around this magnificent fortress and surrounding woodland paths, where you’ll discover myths, legends and ghostly tales galore, all woven between a collection of dark, historical accounts, and stories associated with The Bruce.
Family Crafts Fit for a King
Celebrate Robert the Bruce’s 750th Birthday, and make a medieval helmet or crown to take away.
The Tanner (theatre production)
The Tanner is a one man play about a violent historical period in Scots history; written and performed by Alex McSherry, adapted with permission from an original story by Stuart Hepburn.
The play predates the Mel Gibson Hollywood epic ‘Braveheart’ by some years and does not indulge in the romanticising, glamourising, ‘modern interpretation’ of real events so well loved in the film industry.
The play has been verified as historically accurate by the University of Edinburgh department of History and pulls no punches.
Medieval Market & Fayre
Join us in the Court of De Brus with our Medieval Market & Fayre to celebrate King Robert the Bruce’s 750th Birthday (this is the weekend closest to his birthday on 11th July).
Take a walk up Dumfries High Street, and back in time. Enjoy our themed traders market, living history, storytelling, tours and medieval crafts.
Meet the Bruce family in The Court De Brus and enjoy the tributes that will be paid from Scottish Tribal Street Music legends Clanadonia, Scots Screiver Susi Briggs & Alan McClure, plus lots of medieval themed family entertainment - more to be announced. ..
Storytelling & Re-enactment Day
A Living History, Storytelling & Re-enactment Day brought to you by Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust & Galloway Longfhada, on the site of Dumfries Castle.
Medieval & Comtemporary Music Celebrating Bruce 750
Brought to you by Lochmaben Heritage Centre, and under the gaze of his statue, a Bruce 750 celebration with medieval and contemporary music to mark the king’s connections with Lochmaben town and castle
Spectacular Jousting @ Caerlaverock
Support your hero as the daring knights battle it out in a dramatic show of bravery and skill, wander through the colourful encampments to experience medieval life first-hand, and hear the impact on the Maxwells of being caught up in the Wars of Independence and Robert the Bruce’s efforts to gain control of the kingdom
Sir Christopher Seton & The Chrystal Chapel
Sir Christopher, a staunch supporter and brother-in-law of Bruce, accompanied him to Greyfriars Monastery on the fateful day of John Comyn’s murder. Seton killed Comyn’s uncle, Robert, when he went to attack Bruce.
His wife, Lady Christian Bruce, built the chapel in memory of her husband. Guests will be given the special privilege of meeting Lady Christian Bruce and learn about the story of the Chrystal Chapel, with a chance to view the small collection of stones that once formed part of this poignant memorial.
Bruce’s Final Journey & Medieval Craft Day
Try a range of medieval style artwork taking inspiration from the carvings and artefacts around Glenluce Abbey, one of the places Robert the Bruce rested during his final journey to Whithorn Priory in his final days.
Bruce’s Final Pilgrimage
Discover why people went on pilgrimage, what they took with them, stories from the journey, and what they brought back.
Living history with artefacts to handle and a visit to the remains of the medieval church visited by Robert the Bruce in his final days.
Medieval Pilgrimage Interactive Presentation
Lochmaben Heritage Centre, in collaboration with Dumfries Museum present an evening exploring Medieval Pilgrimage.
An engaging presentation packed with artefacts, images and music.
Discover why Medieval Scots went on pilgrimage, the adventures of the journey and some of the souvenirs they brought back.
We’ll also explore the final journey of Robert the Bruce to St Ninian’s shrine at Whithorn.
Designs & Declarations: The Art of Illustrating Scotland’s Story
A talk with Andrew Redmond Barr, Writer & Artist.
Author of The Illustrated Declaration of Arbroath + The Atlas of Scotland: Vision of a Nation, on the anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.
This talk explores the famous letter which declared Robert the Bruce King of Scotland. The event will also look more broadly at how artistic and creative approaches, such as illustration and map-making, can help us better understand Scotland's stories.
Medieval Annandale Exhibition Launch
A new exhibition exploring tales from the region in the 7th to 15th century with artefacts, interactives and a focus on the Bruces as Lords of Annandale. Exhibition continues through April and May, Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm.
Legends & Lore of Lochmaben Castle
Lochmaben Castle was the seat of the Bruce family for about 150 years, and it was from here he left to meet with and then murder his rival John ‘Red’ Comyn.
Hear this tale, and more legends and lore associated with the atmospheric surroundings of Castle Loch, Lochmaben which forms the perfect backdrop to an evening of spine-chilling storytelling…
The Bruce Women. A Talk for International Women’s Day
From the women of the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, a tribute to the Bruce women.
Dark Tales of Old Sanquhar
Featuring Sanquhar’s most iconic landmarks coupled with strange and thought-provoking tales, award-winning storytellers Mostly Ghostly will explore a darker, more curious side to this historically important town. As we meander through ancient streets and eerie closes, you’ll discover dark deeds, colourful characters, tales of heartbreak and mysterious encounters… A must-do for lovers of history, legends and lore!
‘The Secret History of Closeburn Castle’ with Mostly Ghostly
This day of events for the launch of our Robert the Bruce 750th Birthday Programme will conclude at 7pm by exploring the home of Bruce’s companion, Sir Roger ‘Mak Siccar’ Kirkpatrick who allegedly delivered the fatal blows to the Red Comyn, on this fateful day in 1306.
Authentic Medieval Vespers Ceremony for The Red Comyn
To mark ‘the closing of the day’ as many would have done in Medieval times, we will host an immersive and authentic Medieval Vespers ceremony, conducted by The Bishop of Whithorn (The Diocese of the British Isles),, dedicated to Sir John ‘the Red’ Comyn, to commemorate the end of his life., which was taken at this location, on this date in 1306.
‘Medieval Meanders’ with Dumfries Museum
On this walking tour around Dumfries Town Centre you will learn more about how Dumfries would have looked at the time of Robert the Bruce, and the town’s Medieval history.
The Commemoration of the Slaying of The Red Comyn
A tradition marked every year by the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, on the date and at the location that the slaying took place, in the heart of medieval Dumfries. An event that changed the future of Scotland.
This is a living history storytelling event.
Meet the Wildlings o’ Galloway
We are hosting a meet and great with our Wildlings o’ Galloway at the beautiful Lincluden Abbey. The evening will be filled with a tour of the Abbey, followed by a transitional pit-hog roast buns and meed! As the light begins to fade we will share songs and family friendly stories around what remain of the hot coals of the pit fire.
A’ Gallovidian Gaithering
Come feast with us, in the company of some of our most illustrious and infamous, time travelling ancestors: The Wildlings O Gallowa’. Enjoy traditional entertainment between courses, in the true tradition of feasting.
Beltane Festival Gathering
join us to celebrate the ancient celtic festival of beltane.
traditionally a time to join the may queen to celebrate the return of the summer, and the banishing of winter.
a celebration ? ? ? ?
traditional folk food / / traditional folk music / / traditional folk Lore / / traditional crafts / / Workshops, Fireside Storytelling & immersive Experiences for all ages.
Hidden Histories of Lochmaben Castle
This spooky event shares the stories of murders most foul within and round Threave Castle. These gruesome tails are sure to run a shiver down your spin as Mostly Ghostly guide you over the water surrounding the castle and into its towering walls!
Imbolc Festival gathering
join us to celebrate the ancient celtic festival of imbolc.
traditionally a time to ?? ??? and celebrate the goddess brigid. a goddess revered by the indigenous peoples of ancient galloway.
a celebration adopted into the christian faith, this day is also now known as st brigids day.
traditional folk food / / traditional folk music / / traditional folk Lore / / traditional crafts / / Workshops, Fireside Storytelling & immersive Experiences for all ages.
An Authentic Medieval Mass & High Tea with Lady Devorguilla
Authentic Medieval Mass & High Tea in the presence of the Munificent Lady Devorguilla of Galloway, in her ancestral home, Buittle Castle.
Yuletide Festival Gathering
join us to celebrate the ancient festival of Yule / Jul.
traditionally a time in Scandinavian and celtic cultures to celebrate the turning of the year, the return of the light.
a celebration ? ? ? ?
traditional folk food / / traditional folk music / / traditional folk Lore / / traditional crafts / / Workshops, Fireside Storytelling & immersive Experiences for all ages.
Game of Thrones Styled: Fire & Feast
Gather In The Feasting Hall @ Buittle Castle, For A Rare Opportunity To Dine Like You Are In The Seven Kingdoms!
Sample The Unique Culinary Creations Of Francis Halpin, Game Of Thrones’ Home Economist, at this, our exclusive GoT Themed Immersive Experience.
Historic Pub Quest
Historic Pub Quest, guided by the Wildlings O Galloway!
We invite thee to join us for a time travelling experience where we'll tak in Hostelries, Inn's n Pubs fae Ye Olde Maxwelltoon, crossing the river in tae Dumfries...
Focusing mainly on the medieval stories of Ye Olde Dumfries & Maxwelltoon, taking you from Globe to Globe.
Oor interactive quest will be hosted by none other than oor munificent & illustrious Lady Dervorguilla & guided by some o’ oor other infamous Wildings O Gallowa’!
..........................A’ Gallovidia!!!..........................
The Lost Chronicles of Lincluden Abbey
A guided tour led by The Lionheart, Warrior Clan Chieftain & Guardian of the Wildlings of Galloway
Fright, Fire & Feast Hallowe'en Spooktacular!
As We Approach Samhain The Veil Is Thinning, Prepare Yourself, Its Nearly Time For The Ghosts O Oor Ancestors To Come Oot To Play…
The Wildlings Are Rising Again! This Time It's Gonna Get 'Grim' & Gruesome.
Are You Brave Enough To Meet The Wildlings O Galloway... After Dark?