In 1307 on 10th May, eleven years after the first battle of Loudoun Hill, King Robert the Bruce adopted, almost exactly, the same site and tactics for another encounter with the English.
Modern interpretation places the battlefield further east on the farm of Allanton plains, between the bog land on the north and Loch Gait, now drained, beside the Avon Water.
Bruce might well have deployed his forces on the advice of veterans of Wallace’s army.
By digging a series of trenches on either side he succeeded in narrowing the passage, forcing the English onto the difficult terrain between the bog and the loch.
This would prevent a full frontal attack by the main English force of 3000 men and give the 500 to 600 Scots the best possible chance of victory.
The commander of the English was an old foe, namely one Aymer de Valence, who Bruce was more than familiar with. |