Statue to Robert the Bruce in Aberdeen

darkside · Statue to Robert the Bruce in Aberdeen

If you have not been aware, Aberdeen is currently holding a competition, which is now down to the final three competitors from 42 entries for a statue of Robert the Bruce in Aberdeen. There is a public vote for the best one, it closes on the 17th of November two days time. Details and voting can be done on line at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
Bruce was responsible for forming the Common Good Fund, which is estimated to day to be worth a staggering 33 million. A budget of 125 thousand has been set aside for the statue to be commissioned to one of the three remaining sculptors. The public are being encourage to vote, so it would be their decision to which one will be chosen. There is actually a statue of the Bruce in Aberdeen already, but it is hidden away out of public view in a room in the Town House, mine you I am no surprised, it is a pityful effort only standing 3ft high and made of plastic, painted as though it was made of bronze. At least this new proposed one will be a fitting memorial to the Bruce.Cast your vote

Aventinian

I wonder if Aberdeen City will be raising their council tax any time soon...

Anyway, I generally think this fetishisation of Bruce and Wallace in Scotland is a bit ridiculous. Bruce was a power-hungry opportunist who betrayed his fealty to Edward when it suited him and even murdered a man in a church to become king - resulting in the excommunication of the entire realm of Scotland.

The only particularly impressive thing he did was win a battle, which was down to luck more than skill, apparently for 'freedom' - which of course was of scant regard to him when he invaded Ireland.

I don't see his memory as one particularly worth celebrating.

Holebender

The impressive thing Bruce did was to win a kingdom, not a battle. He had won Scotland well before Bannockburn and he won it one castle at a time, coming back from almost total defeat to ultimate victory. That's the impressive thing Bruce did and I think you actually know that Aventinian.

mairead

Aventinian,
You are indeed the resident pantomime villain and I think you post that sort of thing just for laughs, I mean no-one who appears at times to be intelligent, could actually believe what you just wrote about Bruce and one battle.

Holebender. Well said.

agentmancuso

Holebender

Who's saying it is politically significant? Can't we just honour a major historical figure on a significant anniversary?

King Robert I (also known as Good King Robert) set up Aberdeen's Common Good Fund nearly 700 years ago and now Aberdeen wants to erect a statue of this benefactor. Seems like a good thing to me.

Corby Boy

Quite. Many countries have statues in honour of historic figures in their history. England - Nelson, Cromwell, Richard Coer De Leon, The Black Prince etc...

USA - Washington, Lincoln....

Why should Scotland be different in this regard and Aberdeen in this instance, particularly when it signifies a specific reason for the city - the first City who supported his cause and was thus liberated from the occupier first.

Av, you are really just trying to provoke a childish spat.