Bruce's Cave

A cavern located in the rock face high above the gorge of the Kirtle Water on the Cove Estate in E Dumfries and Galloway, Bruce's Cave is said to be where King Robert the Bruce took refuge from the English during the winter of 1306-07. While some suggest his hiding place was a cave on Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Ireland, others say Bruce hid here under the protection of his friend Sir William Irving of Dunskellie. While resident in his cave Bruce drew inspiration from a spider repeatedly trying to complete its web and realised he had to renew his efforts to regain independence for Scotland.

Bruce's Cave is now a tourist attraction, accessed through a caravan park.

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