On Saturday 30 August from 9.30am the Heritage Centre in Cooroy celebrates all things Scottish including national hero Robert the Bruce (1274–1329). He was one of Scotland’s most iconic and revered historical figures, known for his leadership during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. Born into a noble family with both Norman and Gaelic roots, Robert inherited a claim to the Scottish throne through his grandfather.
In 1306, Robert seized his moment by killing his rival John Comyn to have himself crowned King of Scots. Early in his reign, he faced excommunication, betrayal, and military defeat, forcing him into hiding. His resilience became legendary — famously symbolised by the story of him watching a spider repeatedly attempt to spin its web, inspiring him not to give up.
Robert gradually rallied the Scottish nobles and people, waging a guerrilla war that eroded English control. His greatest triumph came at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where his forces won a decisive victory against King Edward II’s much larger army. This success secured Scottish independence in practice, though it was not formally recognized by England until 1328, with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.
The Scottish Interest Group meets at 9.30 am at the Heritage Centre on the 4th Wednesday of the month. To book your place for the Scottish Celebration, phone 07 3129 0356 on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 9.30am to 1 pm, or leave a message. Seats are limited. The Heritage Centre is at 17 Emerald Street, Cooroy. Email info@genealogy-noosa.org.au. Check our Facebook page @cooroynoosagene
