A festival fit for a king that was the verdict on the eighth Bruce Festival.
Not even Saturday’s downpours dampened the spirit of thousands of visitors who poured into Scotland’s ancient capital for the annual event honouring King Robert the Bruce.
This year, the festival got under way with a spectacular sword parade, forging a symbolic link between Dunfermline’s famous past and present.
Swordsmen gathered at Abbot House Heritage Centre then, with swords aloft, they made their way to the scene of the weekend’s festivities, Pittencrieff Park.
At the helm, an exact replica of Robert the Bruce’s huge sword was paraded through the town by King Robert himself.
Then it was ceremonially offered to Lord Charles Bruce, the son of the Earl of Elgin, and his young son Benedict.
Visitors were able to tread in the footsteps of the past, enjoying a medieval village and hustle and bustle of life as it would have been in the 14th century. There were also archery lessons, falconry displays, battle re-enactments, jousting, a food and crafts court, treasure hunt, medieval fashion show and striking of medieval coins.
Hugh Robertson from Living History Scotland led the creation of the village. He is no stranger of helping stage historical re-enactments, and has consulted on the STV series The Greatest Scot.
This year he made the camp bigger, the combat scenes more authentic and was focusing on recreating 14th century Scotland through medieval music.
Maggie Mitchell, chief executive of Bruce Festival organisers Dunfermline Delivers, said: ”It’s been absolutely fantastic. Yesterday there was a great atmosphere and again today it is really nice, with loads of people milling around.
”Everyone is really friendly and enjoying it all.”