SCOTLAND is gearing up to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, widely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s most important documents, and it is being celebrated in Cardenden.

The Declaration of Arbroath, which was sent from Arbroath Abbey to Pope John, in Avignon, on April 6, 1320, with the seals of Scotland’s nobles attached, emphasised Scotland’s right to be a nation, while also stressing that the country’s king had to follow the will of the people, sowing the seeds of modern democracy.

Arbroath 2020 celebrations launch in April 2020 with a six-month festival of high profile events, exhibitions and special projects, all taking place throughout the entire country.

A group of friends in Cardenden have decided to celebrate this event for the first time in the history of the village.

Said one of the organisers, Auxi Sousa: "The celebration is beginning by an evening of entertainment in the Bowhill Hotel on Friday March 27 at 7pm, entitled 'The Declaration Hooley'.

"The night will be a celebration of all things 'Scottish' with the evening getting underway through local poet Willie Hershaw, who has written a piece of prose especially for the event . The musical entertainment is provide by "Daddy Mike Music", Andrew Gordon and The Lackeys, and there will be tombola and raffle on the night with special prizes. Tickets are £6, leave a text message on 07368 173517".