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The Bruce’s are thought to have
originated from Normandy near Cherbourg.
They gained lands at Annan (Southern
Scotland) for their support of Scottish
Kings, and later, in northern England
during the peaceful years.
Robert, the 4th Lord of Annandale,
married into the royal house of William
the Lion, King of Scotland 1165 - 1214.
That marriage gave the Bruce’s
claim to the throne in years to come.
Their main castle at that time was
Lochmaben
Castle in south Scotland by
Dumfries.
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The 6th Robert, Lord of Annandale,
married the widow Marjorie, with which he
acquired the title Earl of Carrick (south
of Ayr in Ayrshire) and gained
castles at Loch Doon and Turnberry.
Having lands in Northern England and
Southern Scotland, he often chose to
fight for the English in battles against
Scotland.
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His eldest son Robert, 7th Lord of
Annandale and Earl of Carrick, was born
in 1274 at Turnberry Castle (Southwest
Ayrshire). Known as Robert the Bruce, he
led a Scottish army to victory over the
English at Bannockburn (Stirlingshire) in
1314. After a further 14 years of war,
the treaty of Edinburgh was signed March
17th 1328, this allowing Bruce to become
king of an independent Scotland.
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Bruce died in 1329 at Cardross,
probably from leprosy. He was buried in
Dunfermline after the removal of his
heart so it could be carried on a crusade
by Sir James Douglas. The return of his
heart from the crusade saw it buried at
Melrose Abbey.
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The Bruce line died out after Robert
the Bruce’s son David II died in
1371 without leaving an heir. He was
succeeded to the Scottish throne by
Robert the Bruce’s grandson through
the female line Robert II (Stuart).
Dundonald Castle four miles east of Troon
in Ayrshire was built for Robert II on
his ascension to the throne.
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The ruin of Loch Doon Castle was
transferred from an island in the middle
of the loch to the southeast bank in the
early 1900s, as a dam was built that
raised the water levels. The ruin now
attracts many visitors.Loch Doon Castle Page.
Little remains of Turnberry Castle 12
miles south of Ayr. There is a lighthouse
built on that spot with the world famous
Turnberry golf course and hotel adjacent.
Turnberry Castle Page.
The ruin of Dundonald
Castle attracts many visitors with
guided tours available. There is a
visitor centre and car park at the
castle.
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