The Declaration is probably the most celebrated document in Scottish history. But what do we know about it? Why was it written? Who wrote it and to whom? Who signed it? Why Arbroath in 1320 (and not, say Newbattle in 1319?) Did it get any reply? What did it achieve? Is its explanation of the origin of Scots just make-believe? Why the boast that the Scots have ’totally destroyed the Picts’? Making a welcome second visit to the Society on 15 September, Neil, a published author on the Declaration, provided compelling answers to these questions in a very well-received talk.
