AN OUTDOOR trail and app to commemorate the 750th anniversary of King Robert the Bruce’s birth at Turnberry in North Carrick is set to launch on St Andrew's Day.
The connection between two famous Scottish figures is fitting since Robert the Bruce was on the throne in 1320, when St Andrew officially became Scotland's patron saint.
The trail invites locals and visitors to South Ayrshire to discover nine pieces of outdoor art using the Bruce’s Web app with fun augmented reality elements and gaming challenges.
Trail-goers should visit www.northcarrick.com/bruces-web/ to download the app and plan their visit.
Robert the Bruce was believed to have been born at Turnberry Castle and spent much of his life in the North Carrick area of South Ayrshire.
The towns and villages of Turnberry, Maybole, Minishant, Dunure, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Crosshill, Kirkmichael and Straiton make up the trail.
The villages where the trail is located form a web-like shape - hence 'Bruce’s Web Interactive Arts Trail'.
The creation of the eight village sculptures and mobile app was commissioned by North Carrick Community Benefit Company (NCCBC) and awarded to CRAG Community Arts SCIO led by Girvan based artist David Powell.
As trail-goers make their way around each location, they will seek out outdoor art which includes fun sculptures such as a giant spider and a war horse.
Each piece of art carries a unique QR code for users to scan via the app, creating augmented reality imagery in the setting where they stand.
App users are encouraged to visit the local businesses listed where they can scan posters to collect virtual badges, uncover selected discounts and pick up free brochures and stickers.
Artist David Powell led the project with a team including Ross Graham, Jacqueline Ross and Mary Jean Govan.
CRAG worked with schools and youth groups in the area inspiring the children with their local history and encouraging them to create models of what they would like to see in their village.
David said: ‘‘It has been a long journey, one full of twists and turns, but the pieces have now been positioned for the New Bruce’s Web trail.
"There has been a lot of firsts on this project which gave us the chance to engage and work with local communities and talented artist and makers to produce the works.
"With the artworks being crafted to last 25 years, the trail is set to be enjoyed by locals, visitors and tourists alike.’’
The art pieces in each location relevant to Robert the Bruce’s life and legacy are as follows -
- Turnberry – Sea Gate (The Birth)
- Dunure – The Fish & Fire (The Feeding)
- Kirkoswald – Droplets (The Baptism)
- Maidens – The Birlinn Prow (The Landing)
- Straiton – Twa Aixes (The Camp)
- Crosshill – Whitebred Shorthorn Cow (The Grazing)
- Kirkmichael – Spider (Ettercap)
- Minishant – War Horse (Cogaidh)
- Maybole – Mercat Cross Pillar (Lion of Carrick)
Mark Fletcher, chair of NCCBC, said: "We believe we are the first trail in Ayrshire to offer an augmented reality element that really brings to life the rich history of our area and shines a spotlight on Robert the Bruce through the combination of art and digital technology.
"Special thanks go to the young people of the area for their enthusiastic engagement and visions for the project.
"Connecting all the communities of North Carrick with this web of sculptures will not only appeal to locals but also visitors and keep people engaged with this wonderful place that we call home.’’
At the heart of the trail is the ancient Capital of Carrick, Maybole – with a special centrepiece to Bruce’s Web comprising of a Mercat Cross with a ‘Lion of Carrick’ sculpture on top.
The piece has been created by Turnberry based artist John McKenna, renowned for large-scale public art projects.
The Mercat Cross ‘Lion of Carrick’ will be unveiled on St Andrew's Day at 10.30am, declaring the Bruce’s Web trail officially open.
Visitors are encouraged to make their way round some or all the other villages to complete the trail.
Visit www.northcarrick.com/bruces-web/ to plan your visit and to download the app for both iOS and Android.
Read the rules here