James Douglas pledges allegiance to Robert the Bruce

[William Douglas]

There is a story, with no historical evidence, that Robert the Bruce and James Douglas met near Moffat. The Ericstane no longer seems to exist but the visitor can get a distinct feel for the momentous meeting that took place there in late March, 1306. With a little imagination we can visualise the Bruce party, heading for the coronation at Scone, winding up the hillside where a young man sat astride his horse, borrowed from Bishop Lamberton, waiting with a message of support from the Bishop. He was James Douglas and that meeting launched a lifelong association that culminated with "The Good Sir James" losing his life in southern Spain fighting the Moors while carrying Bruce's embalmed heart on crusade.

Roadside storyboard at the Devil's Beeftub. near Moffat

James Douglas pledges allegiance to Robert the Bruce - as depicted in the film 'Outlaw King'.

PS  I am convinced that I wrote a short article about this illustrated with a photograph of a grubby sign alongside a footpath, but I cannot find it.

[William Douglas]

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted that the Douglas arms would not have had a heart in 1306.