I’ve lived in Bannockburn for over 20 years and have a keen interest in 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 his Co-Commander Andrew De Moray and the part he played in the North Rising. Moray joined his forces with Sir William Wallace they achieved a great victory at Stirling Bridge.

Most days, Molly and I go for a walk at the Bannockburn Battlefield and we are amazed at the number of tourists who only spend 10 minutes at the Battlefield or who have never heard of William Wallace’s greatest victory at Stirling Bridge (Spoiler Alert – it wasn’t in Braveheart). Molly and I take part in the annual commemorations to both battles in June and September. We know the importance of remembering our past heroes and the need to play our part in keeping their memory alive.

Freedom Tour Today is the perfect way for Molly and me to welcome visitors to Bannockburn and Stirling. We believe that everyone deserves a warm welcome to the area. I love recounting the stories of events that shaped these battles and learning more about why so many people are passionate about Scotland.

Apologies if the time slot you are looking for is not available. I am also a relief Residential Childcare Worker caring for our amazing care experienced young people. So sometimes I have to turn the tours off for work (or 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.

Forget the bald guy above. I’m 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 the Co-Comander at Stirling Bridge, young Andrew De Moray. My own personal favourite is 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 have 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. I love my Mum and Dad and my favourite place in the world is Bannockburn Battlefield. Most days Dad and me throw and catch tennis balls on the Battlefield. I think I must be a descendant of Edward Bruce from his time in Ireland shortly after the Battle of Bannockburn? I love leading the tours and I am happy to share my treats with other four-legged friends.
Thank you for coming to see us and for remembering our great heroes. You can follow me on Instagram @MollyDays247 or bring treats … forget Insta, just bring treats ♥

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