Director Dr Richard Irvine explained: "On Friday afternoon we had the pleasure of providing a guard of honour for the guests of the Angus and Dundee Roots Festival.

"On Saturday, we provided a fitting climax to the 'Learning without Limits' conference being held in the town by the home education organisation Schoolhouse.

"Delegates, including children, were able to talk to a range of famous medieval characters including King Robert the Bruce and Abbot Bernard, before supporters signed a 'Declaration of Freedom in Education' to mark International Freedom in Education Day 2008, echoing the principles of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath.

"Improved understanding of Scottish history is a key part of Timethemes' activities, whether it be in school, out-of-school or in a life-long learning setting."

Dr Irvine continued: "On Sunday, over 30 members of Arbroath Abbey Timethemes travelled to Scone Palace, the location of King Robert the Bruce's crowning, to tell visitors something of the history of what was probably the high point of his reign, the signing of the famous Declaration of Arbroath.

"Here is a historical event which is not a battle or a siege, but rather an act of diplomacy, the signing of a simple letter in the hope of peace and freedom.

"We put on two performances for the popular Farming Yesteryear event being held in the grounds and a final one on the Moot Hill, the actual site the inauguration of the Kings of Scots, using the replica of the Stone of Destiny as Bruce's throne."

The performances saw King Robert the Bruce presiding over his assembled barons and their ladies in an interpretation of the events of April, 1320, at Arbroath Abbey. Each noble was called forward to sign and seal the Declaration before its dispatch to the Pope in Avignon.

The author of the Declaration, Abbot Bernard, Chancellor of Scotland was also on hand along with the Bishops of Aberdeen, St Andrews and Dunkeld and their associated monks to officiate.