Butterscotch Dog

Big Oil poisons our politicians. Our planet is on the brink. It's time to rescind the subsidies and push out all opponents of green and renewable energy.

The 11th of July, marks the birthday of Robert the Bruce, born in 1274 at Turnberry Castle on the Ayrshire coast – right beside what’s now Turnberry golf course.

For his birth his mother, the Countess of Carrick, would likely have sought care at nearby Crossraguel Abbey, run by Cluniac monks and serving as the local hospital.

Many believe that’s where the future King of Scots was baptised, using the ancient font now kept at Kirkoswald.

Crossraguel sits on the old pilgrims’ way between Paisley and Whithorn, it’s a place steeped in strange tales – ley lines, mysterious road accidents, and even stories of time travellers.

I have spoken with a former guardian, who insists he met a time traveller: once as a boy sweeping the courtyard for the monks, and again centuries later working as a manager.

It’s a powerful, atmospheric spot that still draws mystical types from across Europe, time and space!

Anyway! Happy birthday to the man who upheld Scotland’s independence.