Historic mural of Declaration of Arbroath saved from skip

Friday 16 October 2009

King Robert the Bruce and Abbot Bernard, his Chancellor, will be at Arbroath Station on Tuesday 20 October for the unveiling of a large wall mural depicting the historic signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.

The mural - painted in 1984 by renowned Glasgow artist Charles Anderson – was destined for a skip until saved by Arbroath Abbey Timesthemes, a registered charity.

It has now found a permanent home thanks to ScotRail’s Adopt a Station scheme which aims to put stations at the heart of communities.

Dr Richard Irvine, chairman of Arbroath Abbey Timethemes, explains:  “The mural was painted in 1984 for display in the new Abbeygate Shopping Centre and for several years it colourfully reminded shoppers of the town’s medieval roots.

“However, a centre make-over in the 1990s saw the painting removed and stored in an outbuilding for a time before, sadly, it was destined for the skip.
 
 “Arbroath Abbey Timethemes saved the painting from destruction and as ScotRail had kindly provided accommodation for us at Arbroath station, we felt it would be an excellent new location for the public display again of this splendid artwork.

“It will be visible to all passengers on the southbound platform. They will also be able to glimpse the town’s historic abbey and the mural will act as a sign of welcome and friendship.”
 
In addition to King Robert the Bruce, a number of the charity’s members will be in colourful medieval costume to welcome the 16ft by 8ft mural to its new home.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, will also attend as part of a week-long tour of the network on the fifth anniversary of FirstGroup being awarded the Scottish rail franchise.    

He said: “I am delighted that a new home has been found for this distinctive mural at Arbroath. It will symbolise the great strides made in finding new uses for surplus property at stations.”

Dr Irvine said: “We are particularly happy that ScotRail is taking part as its Adopt a Station scheme is an excellent way of putting historic railway buildings back into community use.

“Our accommodation at Arbroath provides us with easy level access which is essential for our disabled members and a boon for getting our larger props in and out, and the unveiling will also be an opportunity to formally thank ScotRail.”

Media contacts

This press release is issued jointly by ScotRail and Arbroath Abbey Timethemes

ScotRail: Iain Wilson, tel 0141 335 4565. Email: Iain.wilson@firstgroup.com

Arbroath Abbey Timethemes: Dr Richard J Irvine, chairman: tel: 01241 872969 and 0782 540 5231. Email: richard.j.irvine@talk21.com

Notes to Editors
The 16ft by 8ft painting recounts the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on 6 April 1320 when the barons and earls of Scotland gathered at Arbroath Abbey in the presence of King Robert Bruce to sign and seal a collective Letter to the Pope affirming their right to be a free and peaceable nation. The Letter in the most polished and eloquent Latin is believed to be the work of Bernard, Abbot of Arbroath and Chancellor of Scotland.

Arbroath Station already houses a gallery created by the Royal Society of
Edinburgh following the rse@arbroath project in which local schools describe aspects of the town's heritage that are important to them.

Other accommodation identified in a 2008 study by Gaia Architects remains available for community or start-up business use. Angus College will be restoring a floral presence to the station.

Arbroath Abbey Timethemes (AAT) is a registered charity (SC039620) whose aims are to promote and advance appreciation of the Declaration of Arbroath as part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and history and to advance public understanding and knowledge of the Declaration of Arbroath and medieval Scotland. Its membership is diverse and inclusive.

AAT is involved in drama, re-enactments, schools and educational visits, public talks and ambassadorial activities. It plays a leading role in Scotland’s Tartan Day celebrations each April in conjunction with several local authorities.

ScotRail runs more than 2,100 services a day. It was last month named UK passenger Operator of the Year at the prestigious National Rail Awards – for the second year in a row. The award recognised ScotRail’s record high customer satisfaction ratings and punctuality and reliability ratings; passenger growth of more than 20% in the last five years, and the largest expansion of services in the past decade.