The symmetry isn’t lost on us as Scotland’s footballers go into battle tonight in the Euros and we conjure up the spirit of Bannockburn as we try, try, try again.
On this day 710 years ago Scottish leader Robert the Bruce rallied and defeated the English and won Scottish independence.
His victory represents, to this day, the high point of Scotland’s history.
And is a patriotic pilgrimage for Scots and their diaspora.
While to the outside world Bruce has become immortalised through a fable which underscored his resilience,
Bruce’s spider
Bruce had been on the run and sheltering in a cave off Rathlin Island in Ireland, and ready to give up the fight for freedom.
When he was revitalised after witnessing a spider trying to weave a web.
Who said to him upon completing the task: ‘If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again.’
Well, maybe he didn’t, although we can’t prove he didn’t.
But the good people on the Abháinn Cruises Bruce’s Cave Experience can.
And will reflect on a time when Robert ran Scotland and Edward Ireland for the only time the two countries were united as one.
But Bruce’s takeaway was never to give up and returned to Scotland.
And heading up a vastly inferior force defeated the famed, far larger English invader.
Field of dreams
Today the National Trust for Scotland celebrates the greatest day in Scottish history… every day.
At the Battle of Bannockburn heritage site, near Stirling, the Gateway of the Highlands.
Where they promise an immersive Bannockburn experience with a digitally re-created version of the battle.
While out on the hallowed land you can follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce.
In the memorial park where you can see where he raised his royal standard… and you can stunt your own Scots warrior pic.
Rally the football troops
Now we’re not party to the Scotland national football team changing room ahead of the win-or-bust game with Hungary in Stuttgart.
And while our expertise can never stretch to offering manager Steve Clarke advice on footballing matters.
We can recommend him channeling his inner Bruce to rally his troops.
If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again.
And this time we have the numbers on our side with 20,000 Scotland fans cheering on their favourites inside the ground.
And the other 80,000 Tartan Army foot soldiers backing them up in the fan zones.
Where their battle cry will no doubt carry our bonnie fechters to a famous victory.
And qualification from a major international football tournament for the first time in history.
After 70 years of tilting at it and 11 failed campaigns.
And how can we fail with the spirit of Bannockburn as we try, try, try again.
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