Marchers commemorating Battle of Bannockburn told to lay down their arms

Scotland's warrior: Marchers will trace the footsteps of Robert the Bruce.STV

It may have been almost 700 years since the conflict that made the site famous but now another battle is being waged at Bannockburn.

Organisers of an event to commemorate Robert the Bruce’s victory over Edward II in 1314 have hit out after the local council banned them from carrying traditional weapons during a march on Saturday.

The event, which is being organised by the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement (SRSM), will retrace the footsteps of the 14th century warriors who vanquished England’s army despite their greater numbers.

The organisers had wanted to wear traditional weapons like those worn by Bruce’s men but Stirling Council rejected the idea, citing regulations on the carrying of weapons on public marches.

Pax Guintini, one of the participants in the event and a past organiser, said a compromise had been reached with the council.

He told STV News: “Negotiations have been ongoing with Stirling Council and there is to be a second march. This march will be going from the Heritage Centre car park up to the Rotunda, where it will coincide with the SRSM march. When they get here, people will be allowed to carry their traditional arms.

“This is not a political event. It’s a commemoration of a pivotal moment in Scottish history. There will be families and young people there and this event can make history come alive for young people before their eyes."

He added: “It’s a disgrace. It’s a concerted effort by Unionist politicians to try and have this event banned because they see it as a crucible for nationalism.”

Mr Guintini estimated there would be several hundred people present to celebrate the event.

Stirling Council insisted it was protecting the rights of the marchers but had to balance those against concerns over public safety and convenience.

A spokeswoman said: “Stirling Council respects the rights of organisations and individuals to celebrate their history and cultural traditions, but it also needs to balance this with the rights of the general public to go about their daily lives safely and with minimal inconvenience.

“The Council has granted permission to the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement to hold a procession in Bannockburn on Saturday 23 June. As with all other public processions held in the Stirling Council area they must comply with the Council's standard conditions, one of which is that weapons are not carried on public marches.

“When the procession moves on to the Bannockburn Heritage site, people taking part in the event will have to comply with the directions of the landowners (National Trust) and police.”

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