Pupils at a Moray secondary school dressed up as some of Scotland’s most legendary historic figures to stage a lively debate about the country’s past.
Buckie High School wound back the years yesterday as S2 children donned medieval garb and contested whether William Wallace or Robert the Bruce was more influential in shaping the nation.
The youngsters had devoted weeks to learning about both men’s history prior to the event, and spent much of yesterday arguing about their respective merits.
Carmen Rennie dressed up as William Wallace, and Ross Fiske took on the role of Robert the Bruce – while supporters made powerful pleas in support of their champion.
They examined the impact of Bruce and Wallace on the Wars of Independence and discussed their lasting legacies on Scottish life.
Ultimately, William Wallace was declared to be the “most important figure in Scottish medieval history”, with two thirds of pupils voting in his favour.
The good-natured discourse was mediated by a children’s author who visited the school especially for the occasion and quizzed representatives from each side.
Allan Burnett, who dressed as Pope John XXII, penned a play exclusively for the Buckie High School pupils.
School librarian, Steven Leitch, helped arrange the event in conjunction with the school’s history department in an effort to help the children gain a deeper appreciation for their country’s heritage.
Mr Leitch said: “The pupils spent weeks preparing for this, while learning all about what Scotland was like back in those times.
“They absorbed a lot to be able to explain why their characters were so important to Scottish history.
“It was a really exciting way to learn, it made history come alive and I think the children took a lot from the event.”
Mr Burnett also discussed his books with the youngsters, and explained his research and writing processes.
The author is known as one of Scotland’s most popular children’s writers, and specialises in books about his country’s history.