Robert the Bruce Statue, Stirling

Robert the Bruce Statue, Stirling

The Robert the Bruce Statue at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre in Stirling, is a striking equestrian monument created in 1964 by renowned sculptor Pilkington Jackson. The bronze sculpture depicts Robert the Bruce, the legendary King of Scots, poised on his war horse and wielding an axe, symbolizing his leadership during the pivotal Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The statue stands atop a plinth inscribed with "ROBERT THE BRUCE KING OF SCOTS 1306–1329," marking the site near where the historic battle took place.

Commissioned by the Earl of Elgin to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the battle, the statue was crafted with great attention to historical detail, including the use of measurements taken from Bruce’s skull, rediscovered in Dunfermline Abbey in 1818. The sculpture was cast by H.H. Martyn & Company in Cheltenham and unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II.

The statue’s influence extends beyond Scotland, with a replica unveiled in 1966 outside the Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, Canada, funded by Canadian lawyer Eric Harvie. Robert the Bruce’s likeness also appeared on the Clydesdale Bank £20 note from 2009 to 2020.

In 2013, the statue underwent restoration to prepare for the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Over time, the bronze had begun to turn green, prompting Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop to note the statue's significance as an iconic symbol of Scottish history and a poignant reminder of the battle.

Today, the Robert the Bruce Statue remains a listed monument, celebrated for its historical and cultural importance in Scotland.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stirling. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Robert the Bruce Statue on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Robert the Bruce Statue
Sight Location: Stirling, Scotland (See walking tours in Stirling)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Stirling, Scotland

Create Your Own Walk in Stirling

Create Your Own Walk in Stirling

Creating your own self-guided walk in Stirling is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Stirling Castle Walking Tour

Stirling Castle Walking Tour

Sitting atop Castle Hill in Stirling, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Before the union with England, the Castle was also one of the most used of the numerous Scottish royal residences, acting as both a palace and a fortress. Several Scottish kings and queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Stirling Introduction Walking Tour

Stirling Introduction Walking Tour

On the River Forth in central Scotland, you'll find the picturesque city of Stirling. Its location at the lowest crossing point over the river made it a strategic spot to start a settlement. The town dates back to ancient Roman times, though much of the city is medieval and Victorian. It was a small market town that grew while becoming known as the "Gateway to the Highlands."

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles