People to thank

As this blog approaches it’s ends I need to acknowledge the many people who have made it possible.

Firstly, a big thank you goes to the Meldrum and Bourtie Heritage Society (MBHS), who’s work on the Battle of Barra 700^th anniversary memorial, forms a large part of this blog.

I would like to especially thank Evelyn Munro, for providing pictures and feedback on the progress of the memorial and coordinating with others to gather information on various subjects.

John Pirie was instrumental is providing information on the original location of Bruce’s seat and locating it in the rock pile where it lay for over half a century. Also, for his work on the memorial.

Doug Smith for his work on the memorial and for providing details of the moving of Sir Thomas and his lady from the kirk yard to its current location in Bourtie Kirk.

Doug Smith with Sir Thomas and his Lady

Rev. Hugh O’ Brien, of Meldrum and Bourtie parish, for taking the time to open the church for me and allowing me to take pictures of Sir Thomas.

Rachel Ann Dressler who provided information on the possible dating of Sir Thomas and his lady.

Bob Forsyth who provide the details of the Battle of Barra float, in the 1954 Meldrum sports.

Moira Gregg for her Scottish Field article on the battle and providing the picture of Wallace’s putting stone.

Rev. Angus H. Haddow for detail of the Grenago Stane from his work,

“Dowsing for Patterns of the Past – The Stone Circles of Aberdeenshire”.

The following for pictures

Anne Burgess – Elgin Castle.

Les Harvey – Bruce Hill

Chris Lodge – Aikey Brae Stone Circle.

Martyn Gorman – Slains Castle

Keith Kaase - Bust of Robert I.

Finally a thank you to my wife Juliet who offered encouragement and support and consented to be dragged around various sites, as I sought information or photographs, when we were supposed to be on vacation.

Juliet and Jim on Bruce's seat.