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Bruce’s Web Arts & Augmented Reality Trail is an outdoor arts trail with accompanying smartphone app to commemorate the 750th Anniversary of King Robert the Bruce in North Carrick, South Ayrshire.
Trail goers will discover nine new pieces of outdoor art using the Bruce’s Web app with fun augmented reality elements and gaming challenges!
The trail was commissioned by North Carrick Community Benefit Company and delivered by CRAG Community Arts SCIO in collaboration with North Carrick residents. The project was made possible by funding from ScottishPower Renewables and the UK Government.
King Robert the Bruce's life in North Carrick
King Robert the Bruce is arguably one of the most famous Scottish figures in history, and he just so happens to have many connections here in Carrick, Ayrshire. Not only is it widely believed that Robert the Bruce was born at Turnberry Castle in 1274, but he also became the Earl of Carrick in 1292 until he became King in 1306. The life of Robert the Bruce was not without challenges and triumphs, testament to his unwavering commitment to Scotland’s freedom. From early struggles against English dominance to his eventual leadership in securing Scottish Independence, the ‘King of Scots’’ journey reflects his perseverance, political acumen and deep-seated love for his homeland, and we believe his determination and hard work should be celebrated!
Bruce's Web - Our new Interactive Augmented Reality Art Trail!
An outdoor trail and app to commemorate the 750th anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s birth in North Carrick has come to life in 2024!
The trail – named Bruce’s Web – allows visitors to discover nine new pieces of outdoor art using the Bruce’s Web app with fun augmented reality elements and gaming challenges!
What's Bruce got to do with North Carrick?
Our story begins in a small village on the west coast of Scotland called Turnberry. In this village stood Turnberry Castle, home to the Countess of Carrick, Marjorie.
Marjorie’s first husband, Adam of Kilconquhar, died during the Eighth Crusade in 1271. Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale fought alongside Adam during the Crusade and was now tasked with delivering the tragic news to Marjorie. Legend has it that upon seeing Robert de Brus and hearing of his news, Marjorie decided she would keep Robert captive until he agreed to marry her that same year. Robert and Marjorie went on to have eleven children.
On the 11th July 1274, as the sun shone across the Scottish countryside and the waves crashed against Turnberry Castle, Robert the Bruce was born. Robert was the third child of Robert de Brus and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick, but he was also their first-born son. Robert the Bruce led a very full and fascinating life in the 54 years before he died in 1329. Some parts of his life are well known like his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, others not so well known like his love for eating eels, despite his physician warning him against it.
The Sculptures
Each piece varies in scale and materials and was designed to complement and enhance the natural landscape in a sustainable way, and link to Robert the Bruce’s life in the area.
Turnberry – Sea Gate – The Birth
Dunure – The Fish & Fire – The Feeding
Kirkoswald – Droplets – The Baptism
Maidens – Landing – The Landing
Straiton – Axes – The Camp
Crosshill – Whitebread Shorthorn Cow – The Grazing
Kirkmichael – Spider – Ettercap
Minishant – War Horse – Cogadh
Maybole – Pillar – Lion of Carrick
Creating the trail
Thanks to funding from the UK Government and North Carrick Community Benefit Company (NCCBC), CRAG Community Arts SCIO were awarded the contract to deliver the North Carrick Communities Arts Trail, with Bruce 750 themed sculptures across ‘Bruce’s Web’.
With the Maybole sculpture under construction separately by local artist John McKenna, the sculptures in the eight surrounding villages have been designed through a consultation process with each of the North Carrick communities.
This process has been fascinating, with CRAG artist David Powell – known for his Culzean and Rozelle steel and willow sculptures – visiting each of the six primary schools to discuss the Bruce 750 project while providing an insight to his own work practice as an artist.
The 'Lion of Carrick'
As the ancient Capital of Carrick, Maybole is set to have a special centrepiece to Bruce’s Web. This refers to Robert the Bruce being the Earl of Carrick; a title that is automatically given to the heir to the British throne – currently Prince William. Already under construction is a ‘Lion of Carrick’ sculpture from renowned Turnberry sculptor John McKenna which will serve as a finial to the new Mercat Cross for the town.
Artist David Powell of CRAG said of the project:
‘This has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with local communities to draw out the children’s ideas and get feedback on their designs. With the artworks being crafted to last 25 years, the trail is set to be enjoyed by locals, visitors and tourists as well as providing a lasting legacy for the communities of Robert the Bruce anniversary for years to come!’
Mark Fletcher, NCCBC Chair said:
’The board are thrilled to see the completion of Bruce’s Web which is the final element of the last 2 years celebrating one of Scotland’s greatest Kings. 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 area that we call home.’
With thanks to our funders and the team that brought you the new trail...
Getting Here
North Carrick is home to many renowned restaurants and café’s drawing visitors from afar as well as lots of local trade. You can travel here by train or bus and the details are below.
Maybole Train Station lies on the Glasgow to Stranraer line, between Girvan and Ayr. The station is within walking distance of all the town’s amenities and buses connect Maybole to the surrounding villages.
Maybole is less than 30 mins from Prestwick Airport and less than 1hr 15 from Glasgow Central Station by train, with easy links to the rest of Scotland. You can plan your route using the Scotrail or Trainline websites – Scotrail Information
Maybole and North Carrick are served by several bus routes operated by Stagecoach, including the services 58 and 358, 60 and 360 and 61 and 361 which connect North Carrick to the rest of South Ayrshire. To plan your route, you can visit the Stagecoach website. Most bus routes terminate in Ayr, connecting you to other destinations, including coaches to further afield. stagecoachbus.com
Cycling is very popular in North Carrick due to our fantastic scenery and popular race routes. We encourage all visitors to explore North Carrick by bike. For more information please visit:
Free street parking is available across North Carrick. Free visitor car parks are available at Maybole, Turnberry, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Dunure and Straiton. Parking is readily available at attractions across the area, most of which are free of charge.
For information on disabled car parking and car changing points please visit the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website – ayrshireroadsalliance.org
For information on public amenities please visit South Ayrshire Council’s website and search for ‘Public Conveniences’. beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk