Battle site of Glentrool (1307) **

Region: Dumfries & Galloway

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Bruce's Stone, Glen Trool cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Billy McCrorie - geograph.org.uk/p/6166529

Description:

Bruce’s Stone is a large granite boulder atop the hill on the north side of Loch Trool commemorating Robert the Bruce’s victory in 1307. As legend has it, this was the spot from where Bruce had commanded the ambush that took place on the other side of the loch. In this case it is not so much the 'field of battle' that is so interesting. It is the combination of the beautiful surroundings AND the historic events.

Using a small part of his force to lure the English on to the southern shores of Loch Trool, he concealed the bulk of his men on the slopes above the loch. The English were forced to dismount and follow in single file. The Scots blocked the path and hurled a barrage of heavy boulders down on them. This was the turning point in Bruce's fortunes and he went from here to further victories against the enemy, culminating in the Battle of Bannockburn.