24/06/2026
Will you be singing ‘Flower of Scotland’ tonight as Scotland heads into their World Cup match against Brazil?
The song, written in the 1960s, famously commemorates the Battle of Bannockburn, where King Robert I (better known as Robert the Bruce) defeated England's King Edward II.
But did you know that today marks the anniversary of the second day of the battle of Bannockburn?
At dawn on 24 June 1314, the Scottish army advanced from the shelter of the woods to confront the English, who had not expected an attack. Edward II appeared convinced that Robert the Bruce would avoid battle, and the English forces were poorly prepared when the Scots advanced in three organised divisions. The English cavalry, led by the Earl of Gloucester, launched an early charge, but a lack of coordination and the restricted terrain reduced its effectiveness. Tensions within the English leadership also weakened their response, and Gloucester was killed during the fighting.
English archers, usually a key part of their military strategy, seem to have played little role in the battle. One account suggests Scottish cavalry drove them away before they could have a major impact, although historians debate the accuracy of this claim. As a result, the Scottish schiltrons (tight infantry formations) were able to continue their advance with little disruption.
The Scottish attack steadily pushed the English back. Trapped by boggy ground and crowded by their own troops, English cavalry and infantry became increasingly disorganised. As the retreating front lines collided with forces behind them, the English formation collapsed. Bruce then committed his reserve troops, while camp followers appearing on the battlefield were mistaken for fresh Scottish reinforcements, adding to the growing panic.
The English army broke and fled in several directions. Edward II escaped after a difficult journey to the coast, while many of his men were captured or killed trying to reach safety. Some were turned away from Stirling Castle, others were captured at nearby strongholds, and many died while crossing difficult terrain or attempting to reach the River Forth.
More than 700 years on, the Battle of Bannockburn remains culturally significant. As a decisive battle in the First Scottish Wars of Independence, it became a major element in the definition of Scotland as an independent entity, and a rallying point for Scottish nationalist groups.
Tonight, Scotland once again finds itself cast as the underdog as it takes on Brazil in the World Cup. The stakes may be very different, but Bannockburn remains a reminder that Scotland has a long history of defying expectations when the odds are stacked against it. As the Tartan Army belts out ‘Flower of Scotland’ before kick-off, fans will be hoping for another occasion when Scotland proves it should never be underestimated.
📷 Statue of Robert the Bruce, by Pilkington Jackson, at Bannockburn.
