To visit Scotland’s birthplace

Arbroath Abbey's warm red sandstone remains are more than simply the bones of a majestic 12th-century abbey - here is holy land. In 1320, a charter was written here that openly stated Scotland's resolve to be independent of England forever. The Declaration of Arbroath is considered Scotland's birth certificate and served as the inspiration for the American Declaration of Independence. This tradition inspired the four students who stole the Stone of Destiny (the stone upon which all Scottish kings were crowned) from Westminster Abbey in 1950 to restore it to Arbroath Abbey.

The Declaration of Independence was composed in Latin and signed by eight earls and forty barons. Various copies and translations have been created throughout the years, including a tiny edition. The Declaration of Independence was made during the protracted battle of independence with England, which began in 1296 with Edward I's effort to capture Scotland. When Alexander III and his granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway died, leaving Scotland without a ruler, Edward exploited the offer to assist in the selection of a successor as an opportunity to resurrect English claims of overlordship.