ARBROATH will return to its medieval roots on Sunday when King Robert the Bruce and his Court meet up once again with the Clerics of the town's historic abbey - 688 years to the day since their most historic gathering.
The event, staged by Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society, is the grand finale to the Tartan Week Scotland celebrations organised by eight local authorities across Scotland and led by Angus Council.
Around 50 authentically costumed members of the Societ
y complete with horses and colourful banners will parade along the length of the town's historic High Street.
When they reach the Abbey, the company will perform a new street theatre production entitled 'Still Digging!', telling the dramatic story of the Abbey up to the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in April, 1320, through the investigations of TimeSquad, a band of intrepid television archaeologists.
The story climaxes with a poignant re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath when, on April 6, 1320, the barons and earls of Scotland gathered at the Abbey in the presence of King Robert Bruce to sign and seal a collective letter to the Pope affirming their right to be a free and peaceable nation.
The letter, in the most polished and eloquent Latin, is believed to be the work of Bernard, Abbot of Arbroath and Chancellor of Scotland.
April 6 was chosen as Tartan Day as a direct result of events that occurred at Arbroath Abbey in 1320 and is now marked worldwide as a celebration of Scottish history, culture and enterprise.
Interest in the Arbroath event is already strong with not only locals but also a number of overseas visitors, guests and VIPs attending the lunchtime event as part of the Tartan Week Scotland programme.
The procession is expected to begin at 1 p.m. and the re-enactment will take place from 1.20 p.m. at the Arbroath Abbey forecourt.
The event is free.
