Let us remember the Battle of Harlaw in Inverurie
Having written to the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Provost of Aberdeenshire in February 2007 putting forward a suggestion to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw, I was delighted to see the event recognised.
I managed to attend all three celebrations on Sunday and it is clear that there is real interest in the battle. However, there are many people who do not know about the significance for the area and Scotland as a whole.
How many Herald readers know about the lost cairns of Provost Davidson, Red Hector MacLean and Irvine of Drum and the stories behind them? It was wonderful to see the Leslie’s Cross being re-instated at Chapel of Garioch Church and a new ballad sung to mark the occasion.
How many know the legends relating to the Drum Stone and Ligger’s Stane, all connected with the battle?
Then we have Gilbert de Greenlaw, one of the knights killed at the battle and buried at Kinkell Church. His incised tombstone is visible, well known and widely published.
What is less well know is the magnificent incised tombstone at Foveran Church known as the Turin or Turing Stone and said to commemorate two members of the Turing family of Foveran, killed at Harlaw in 1411.
The battle of Harlaw is an enduring folk memory for the North-East of Scotland and additional interest has been generated during the 600th anniversary celebrations.
I therefore ask the local community, businesses and the council, has the time come to celebrate the battle annually though poetry, music and other events. This would not only be good for business and tourism for a fast developing area, but keep the memory of Harlaw alive.
Could Inverurie support a Battle of Harlaw Festival? Personally, I feel that we have the people, businesses, charitable organisations and a Heritage Society that can help deliver such event.
Let us not forget Harlaw and the subsequent impact upon the town and while doing so, put Inverurie well and truly on the map.
Albert Thomson
St Margaret’s Wells, Lethenty, Inverurie