The heart has always been important in Scottish
history, but nowhere is it more important than in Douglas history.
Here are a few thoughts for St Valentine's Day.
In 1298 when Lord John Balliol died, his grieving widow, Dervorguilla of
Galloway, had his preserved heart placed in an ivory casket which she
then carried everywhere with her. When she died, she was laid to rest at
Sweetheart Abbey clutching her husband's heart. That's not the only
heart-wrenching tale though, Melrose Abbey was so beloved by Robert the
Bruce that it was chosen as the final resting place for his heart!
Thirty years later, in the early summer of 1329, Robert Bruce, King of
Scots, lay dying. He had been ill for some time and not even a
pilgrimage in the spring to the shrine of Saint Ninian at Whithorn had
eased his pain. Robert had long hoped to go on crusade against the
enemies of Christ. He summoned the most powerful men of his kingdom and
reminded them of his desire to go, like his grandfather, on crusade.
He asked that, after his death, his heart should be taken from his body,
embalmed and carried on crusade by some worthy knight. Among those at
Bruce's bedside was James Douglas, his closest companion. It was to this
remarkable man that the task of carrying out Bruce's wish was given.
For more tales of romantic options, as well as some fun for
all the family, have a look at our Valentine's Day page.
The Douglas heart leads the parade. Now is the time to make plans for
attending games and reunions with your loved one. 
Where better to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a romantic short break
on this beautiful heart-shaped island in Coatia? 
A romantic meal eaten off heart-shaped plates may be on the menu, but surely
you should be opting for something like this 18th century Chinese plate? 
Probably made for Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, the Darnley, or Lennox, Jewel was acquired by Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom and is now one of the most important early jewels in the Royal Collection.
But perhaps you have something a little more affordable in mind? 
Maybe sitting on the Heart Bench would not be a good idea on this rainy day,
but it is nice to see the happy couple have their heart in the right place. 
I have been wondering whose signet ring this might have been - and what
family he came from. It has the Douglas hearts,
but what else? 
Wondering what to give the love of your life this Valentine's Day? Look no further than a Douglas kilt pin or brooch! 
There is nothing better to celebrate with than a wee dram in your own clan
glass. Slàinte Mhaith!
This little trinket once belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. It would
look nice round a neck near you too!
If you are looking for somewhere to go to celebrate your Douglas heritage,
then Melrose Abbey might be the place. It is here that Robert the
Bruce's heart was finally laid to rest.
Maybe carrying your loved one's heart in a casket around your neck is not
very romantic these days, but this is a statue of the Good Sir James with
Bruce's heart who clearly thought it the thing to do. |
