Scots disarmed for parade
Scots celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when the forces of Robert the Bruce defeated the army of Edward II in the first war of Scottish independence, have been told by council officials not to carry replica weapons. The decision follows an alleged incident at last year’s rally in which a car on the route was said to have been hit by a shield and a Union flag was burnt.
The annual rally in the small town of Bannockburn outside Stirling involves a short march along a single street to the site of the battle.
In recent years, many of those taking part have worn medieval costumes, complete with swords, axes, daggers and shields. But Stirling council has told the organisers — the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement — that for safety reasons no arms can be carried during the march. Under a compromise worked out with the National Trust for Scotland, which manages the battlefield, participants have been told they can keep their weapons in their cars and take them out when they arrive at the historic site....