Unveiling of new sculptured head of King Robert the Bruce

The work is a forensic facial reconstruction – using a cast of the skull of Bruce from his resting place in Dunfermline Abbey – sculpted by Christian Corbet and based on the research by Andrew Nelson, professor of anthropology.

Working together the sculptor and scientist, both based at the University of Western Ontario, have concluded that Bruce had never suffered from leprosy.

On Thursday, March 23 at 11am the welcome party will include provost Mike Robbins of the city of Stirling and Stuart Campbell, deacon convenor of the Seven Incorporated Trades, in their historic regalia, the trustees of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, who are the recipients of this magnificent gift from Canada to Scotland and Stirling and the Strathleven Artizans, who bring the achievements of King Robert to life for contemporary audiences.

The Strathleven Artizans have constructed a plinth for the new head using timber from the historic Bruce Oak tree from Loch Lomond National Park, together with timber from the estate of the Earl of Elgin at Broomhall, near Dunfermline. Construction assistance has been provided by Historic Environment Scotland.

As this is the most important artistic interpretation of King Robert since the Pilkington Jackson statue was unveiled at Bannockburn in 1964, the unveiling ceremony will be conducted by King Robert’s descendant, Lord Charles Bruce.

Welcoming the new work of art Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: "I am delighted that the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum have been gifted this fabulous sculpture by Christian Corbet of the Western University, Ontario, Canada.

"I would like to encourage everyone to go along to see not only this sculpture but all the vast and varied works of art that the gallery has on show."

Local MP Steven Paterson said: "I am delighted to welcome this new and important work of art and history to Scotland, to Stirling and to the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum."