Robert the Bruce

Today's the day ........................ to look up

We've been going to Moffat for countless years - but we've never noticed this little chap up on the roof.

It's actually a 4ft high zinc statue of King Robert I (commonly known as Robert the Bruce) which is said to have taken in payment of a debt by the builder of Bruce House - a Mr Drummond - in the late 19th century.

For those who don't know - Robert the Bruce (1274 - 1329) was the pivotal hero of Scottish history who attained the throne of Scotland in 1306. He fought the English and their supporters on both sides of the border from 1297 until the momentous victory at Bannockburn in 1314. The ensuing truce lasted until 1328 when the Treaty of Edinburgh was signed paving the way for the independence of Scotland.

And perhaps it will all happen again next year ...................?