On April 6th, 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It was one of three letters sent to Pope John XXII re-affirming Scotland's status as an independent nation state. This was during the time of Scotland's Wars of Independence.
There were major celebrations planned to mark the 700th anniversary of this crucial event in Scotland's history. However, the lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak, has meant they all had to be cancelled.
Important passages from the Declaration of Arbroath (1)
"We do not fight for honour, riches, or glory, but solely for freedom, which no true man gives up but with his life."
Translated into English, from the original medieval Latin.
Important passages from the Declaration of Arbroath (2)
"But if he [the King of Scots] should cease from these beginnings, wishing to give us or our kingdom to the English or the king of the English, we would immediately take steps to drive him out as the enemy and the subverter of his own rights and ours, and install another King who would make good our defence."
The most radical idea in the DofA, that the people are sovereign and can choose their leadership.
This is an excellent, short documentary on the Declaration of Arbroath, and about a tapestry created to commemorate the 700th anniversary. It is presented by Lesley Riddoch and includes contributions from Brian Cox, Fiona Watson & Billy Kay.
Fitheach