A proud Fifer, I lived in Bannockburn for 23 years, before moving to Stirling Bridge in 2023. I have a keen interest in and love for Scottish history. In particular the Wars of Independence. Every day is a school day serving King Robert the Bruce and learning from all the people we have met on tours or who share our passion. Learning more about the Good Sir James Douglas, Isabella MacDuff and the other key characters and the small folk who influenced and took part in the Battle of Bannockburn has been a joy. At Stirling Bridge, we remember our other great champions of Freedom, William Wallace and Andrew De Moray. Wallace is famous all over the world. Not so well known is our Co-Commander Andrew De Moray and the part he played in the North Rising. Moray joined his forces with Sir William Wallace and they achieved a great victory at Stirling Bridge.
Most days, Molly and I would go for a walk at the Bannockburn Battlefield and we were amazed at the number of tourists who only spend 10 minutes at the Battlefield or who had never heard of William Wallace’s greatest victory at Stirling Bridge (Spoiler Alert – it wasn’t in Braveheart). Molly and I took part in the annual commemorations to both battles in June and September. We knew the importance of remembering our past heroes and the need to play our part in keeping their memory alive. These days Oatly and Ayla enjoy our daily walks at Stirling Bridge.
Freedom Tour Today was the perfect way for Molly and me to welcome visitors to Bannockburn and Stirling. We believed that everyone deserves a warm welcome to the warm heart of Scotland. I love recounting the stories of events that shaped these battles and learning more about why so many people are passionate about Scotland. Losing Molly hurt – if you know, you know. Bringing Oatly home from the Dogs Trust on Good Friday has helped. As has rescuing Ayla in November. Three Superheroes in their own right. Heartfelt thanks to the Dogs Trust in Glasgow for all they do for our 4 legged legends.
Apologies if the time slot you are looking for is not available. I am also a Residential Childcare Worker caring for our amazing care experienced young people. So sometimes I have to turn the tours off for work (and family time). If you have limited time available and the tour times don’t suit you, get in touch (07786 911 838) and we can see if we can fit you in.
Thank you for visiting and safe passage onwards.
Steven
Forget the bald guy above. I was the real inspiration surrounding Freedom Tour Today. Well me, King Robert, William Wallace and all the other heroes we discovered along the way. Heroes such as the Good Sir James Douglas, known as the Black Douglas to his enemies. Or our Co-Comander at Stirling Bridge, young Andrew De Moray. My own personal favourite was the courageous Isabella MacDuff, the Countess of Buchan. Read my poem below which I printed on one of our Superhero T-Shirts & Hoodies.
Like Isabella, I lived through adversity. I had a loving home, but my owner moved abroad and I ended up living on the streets of Ireland for three months. Thankfully the Dogs Trust rescued me and I ended up in Glasgow where I found my forever home in Bannockburn and then Stirling Bridge when we moved. I loved my Mum and Dad and my favourite place in the world was Bannockburn Battlefield. Most days Dad and me would throw and catch tennis balls on the Battlefield at Bannockburn. Now my ashes are in the soil and in the wind at Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge. I loved leading the tours. My Dad said I was happy to share my treats with other four-legged friends – that’s marketing for ye – I never shared treats!
Thank you for coming to see us and for remembering our great heroes. You can see more of me on Instagram @MollyDays247 or my brother from another mother who I never met @TotallyOatly247 – he is looking after my Mum and Dad now and is doing grand ♥ Young Ayla will come good as well.
You have a good day and be kind to my dog pals.
Lots of love,
Molly x
Isabella MacDuff
By Molly Hughes
Many women of Scotland are known the World o’er,
but now to that number, we’ll add just one more.
Known as the Countess of Buchan to more than a few,
and the Lady in the Cage, for she loved Scotland true.
Of all our medieval heroes few have shone brighter,
than Isabella MacDuff, the most fearless of Fifers.
Her young brother Duncan, held captive by force,
she rode up to Scone, to quench Freedom’s thirst.
Bishops Lamberton & Wishart conducted the ceremony,
before Lady Isabella would arrive at Scone Abbey.
Though as a MacDuff, she demanded her Clan rite,
crowned the Bruce King, as a usurper sealed her plight.
For years Isabella hung in a cage from Berwick Castle,
her only ‘crime’, being brave, true and loyal.
Longshanks instructions “keep her barely alive”
for his crimes towards Isabella, she was immortalised.
#scottishsuperheroestshirtsandhoodies
