This article, which I thought very interesting, appeared this week in Scotty's Snippets: Sir James Douglas (also known as Guid Sir James and the Black Douglas), lived from 1286 to 1330 and fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the Wars of Independence. He showed himself to be utterly ruthless, particularly in his relentless attacks on the English garrison in his own Douglas Castle. On the morning of the Battle of Bannockburn, Douglas was made a knight and after the battle pursued the retreating English king and his group of knights with relentless vigour. Later, Douglas took King Robert the Bruce's heart on a pilgrimage to Palestine, but died in a battle in Teba in Spain, helping locals to fight against the Moorish invaders. He is remembered to this day in Spain, with an annual event at the Castle of the Stars where he fought his last courageous battle. But he is not commemorated in Scotland, other than his remains deposited in the family vault at St Brides chapel. Now one of his descendants, Lord Selkirk of Douglas, has unveiled a portrait of Good Sir James created by Ronnie Brown - best known for the unofficial Scottish anthem "Flower of Scotland" but also a talented artist. The painting, showing Douglas in battles in Scotland and Spain, is to be displayed in the Hamilton Collection at Lennoxlove House in Lothian, the home of Lord Selkirk. When the work was unveiled this week, other Douglas descendants were present, including the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton, together with the Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale.
That is an interesting one Clyde. I have printed it out topaste in my paperback copy of Black Douglas which am bequeathing to local library service. Thanks! Jane