This is a model of the skull of Robert the Bruce. He was King of Scotland 700 years ago. He fought to free Scotland from England.

• Robert the Brice, cast of skull 
• 14th century, 1306
• Dumfries, Dumfriesshire
• Robert the Bruce's actions in Dumfries on the 10th of February 1306 set the course of Scottish history

After his death in 1329, Robert the Bruce's body was interred in Dunfermline Abbey.

In 1819 workmen repairing the floor of the abbey uncovered the body and a cast of the skull was taken. It shows damage to the upper jaw and nose.

Some historians believe that this was because Bruce suffered from leprosy, although it may have been a consequence of the dangerous life he had led.

After the defeat of the Scots led by William Wallace at Falkirk in 1298, the English King Edward I gained control of Scotland. On 10 February 1306 Robert the Bruce's actions in Dumfries set the course of Scottish history. The murder of his cousin and competitor for the crown of Scotland, John Comyn, and the defeat of the English garrison at the Castle of Dumfries inevitably led to the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, and to Scottish independence from England.

In the collection of Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura.