On Monday 26th July 2010 Strathleven Artizans had the pleasure of having a visit from Sarah Crome and her husband Philip who came along to the Robert the Bruce Heritage Centre at Renton train station, where they both spent the afternoon chatting to the guys and gals from Strathleven Artizans and finding out about Robert the Bruce and our royal history.
Sarah who wrote the book The First War of Independence and had a major part in the Bruce Trail in Dumfries along with Philip where very impressed with the Royal history of Renton and the surrounding areas.
They spent several hours talking to the Artizans historians Stuart Smith and Chris Pollock as well as Duncan, Jim, Elspeth, Lynn and Jeanette.
The afternoon flew in which is a good indication of all having a good time and natter !!.

Before they left Duncan and Jim took them to St Serfs Church in Levengrove Park in Dumbarton as they had never seen the church where KRB viscera is buried after a look around we then headed to Strathleven Estate to the site of the Bruce Oak tree.
We had a walk through the woods showing them the tree and then the mound overlooking the river Leven to forwards Pillinflatt and Dalquhurn I must add that this is not the best time of year to view Dalquhurn as it’s overgrowing with scrubs and plant life, it’s a better view in winter when there’s no leaves etc.

It was then time to say our goodbyes and we thanked Sarah and Philip for paying us a visit before they headed off towards Stirling to carry on with their journey, it was a pleasure meeting you both and we look forward to seeing you at Dunfermline in August.
Haste ye Back.

Report by Jim Tannock.