Wars of Independence
The south-west of Scotland has many strong links to the struggle
for Scottish Independence; not least, it is the birthplace of
Robert the Bruce and probably of William Wallace. Other heroes too
have their roots here - Sir Robert Boyd, who allegedly was William
Wallace's second in command before joining Bruce and becoming one
of his most trusted commanders at Bannockburn; and Sir James
Douglas, Bruce's closest supporter and architect of many border
raids deep into England. These raids struck so much terror into the
hearts of those who witnessed them that Sir James would forever be
remembered south of the border as the 'Black Douglas'.
