Arbroath abbey, where the Declaration was issued after it was planned at Newbattle abbey
The declaration of Arbroath, as it is now known, has become famous far beyond the borders of Scotland as an eloquent and moving statement of national identity and a nation’s right to govern themselves without outside interference. Dated 6 April 1320, attention is again being turned to this medieval document as its 700th anniversary approaches, to provide a re-evaluation of its significance.
How significant was it in 1320 and the following years and how significant is it today? A number of events will be taking place to mark the anniversary, amongst which will be an exhibition at Arbroath abbey, marking the culmination of the declaration of Arbroath family history project run by the Genealogical Studies postgraduate programme based in the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.