CRAFTSMEN are reconstructing the throne of Robert the Bruce as part of the 700th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Bannockburn.
An image of the wooden throne, which the Bruce is believed to have used during his 23-year reign as King of Scots in the 14th century, is depicted on his cast-metal seal, which he used to authenticate documents.
Historical group the Strathleven Artizans will now produce an interpretation of the throne based on the seal, struck after his victory in 1314.
It shows King Robert on an elaborately carved seat with armrests featuring the heads of four mythical beasts, facing north, south, east and west to protect their master from every direction.
It will be constructed using oak from across Scotland, including from Scone Palace, where Robert was crowned in 1306; Turnberry, where he was born in 1274; and Bannockburn.
The throne will also feature timber from the Bruce Oak - one of the largest and oldest trees in Scotland until it was felled following a fire in 2005 - which stood on the Strathleven estate in West Dunbartonshire, owned by the king when the tree would have been a sapling.
The throne could be sited at Historic Scotland's new Bannockburn visitor centre or at either Stirling or Edinburgh castles. The project is expected to cost more than £10,000 and the Artizans are now looking for donors.
Duncan Thomson, chairman of Strathleven Artizans, said: "Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland's best-known monarchs, and his story has captivated people for generations. The process of reconstructing his throne promises to help bring that story to life."
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