Mission Blog #68

 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024

We rang in the New Year by ourselves, at home in our Paisley apartment. We have been avoiding visiting with anyone due to having cold/flu symptoms. We first watched the celebrations in Sydney, Australia - unbelievable fireworks display; and we watched the London celebrations as well.

Like most of you, we took down our Christmas decorations and tree, finding it hard to believe that another year has passed. It has been pretty amazing. We've lived in three different cities, two different countries in 2023. The moves have brought their own unique challenges, but Tina and I have learned to 'just get after it', work hard, apply faith, and always look for people to reach out to; to not let our own challenges keep us from helping others. And, to always be grateful - like Bing Crosby sang in 'White Christmas' - 'fall asleep counting your blessings'. 

This week began with a District Council Meeting, this time in the beautiful waterside community of Greenock. We have a very small congregation there, but they meet in a very nice 2 storey church building. This was the last District meeting before physical transfers took place. And so we said goodbye to a couple of beloved members of our District. One Sister lost her senior companion and was paired with a brand new arriving missionary to become her Trainer - she was worried if she was up to the task. Sister Hansen is amazing and we reassured her that her trainee is very lucky to have her to model after and to learn from. Her old companion, Sister Durling, moves from Greenock to Edinburgh to become a Sister Training Leader. Sister Durling is also amazing and we know she will do well. Our District Leader, Elder Bodkin, leaves us for Belfast, Northern Ireland. Elder Giugliarelli arrives to fill that vacancy. It's a learning and growing experience each time a missionary moves, and/or receives a new leadership assignment and new companion. For the most part they handle it like pros. We can be there for them to encourage, to support, to convey our experiences, and our testimony so they can thrive.

National Wallace Monument

We had a wonderful Preparation Day getting out to explore more of Scotland. We began with a drive of about an hour north and east to Stirling, to the National Wallace Monument.

The monument was erected 1861-69 on Abbey Craig overlooking the Firth of Forth meandering river and site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Abbey Craig is a volcanic rock mound that rises itself about 360 feet above the lowlands. The monument is another 238 feet to its summit, achieved by climbing 247 steps on an internal spiral staircase - with 3 stops to view displays and learn more about the heroes of Scotland, and what William Wallace fought for at Stirling Bridge.

William Wallace fought for freedom against the English. He went about it in a guerilla warfare manner at first, but in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he brought his army of freedom fighters out against King Edward I's organized and trained English troops. William Wallace won decidedly and by that became a rallying point for a broader rebellion against English rule.  

From the top observation level, one can see 50km's in any direction - at least on this rare clear day. This view was to the east.

A northwest view to the highlands.

The Battle of Stirling Bridge

September 11, 1297

In order to regain control of the north of Scotland, the English led by King Edward II needed to make it across the River Forth. The Scots led by William Wallace and Andrew Murray waited as a portion of the English troops had crossed the narrow wooden bridge. They then surrounded the English, leaving them immobile in the loop of the river, and blocked the north end of the bridge, cutting off any hope of escape. It became a slaughter. The Scots won handily. Edward II escaped the carnage on horseback to Berwick, pursued all the way. Didn't even take time to stop to give a rest or water to his horse, which died upon arrival.

The Hall of Arms in the Monument has a replica of Wallace's sword.

247 steps in total. It was nice to have it broken into 3 sections with a display room to provide the education.

The monument provided amazing displays of how the battle developed, and the strategies that were utilized.

I grew up in a hamlet that in its early days (1954-56) was called Campbelltown Heights, but the mail would occasionally end up going to Campbelltown, Scotland, not far from us here. The hamlet name was changed, therefore, to Sherwood Park. Early leaders in the community grasped onto the medieval (Sherwood) theme. Nottingham neighborhood, Robin Hood School, etc. The annual fair to this day is called 'Medieval Days'. During a certain period of my youth, the community went all out - each homeowner was encouraged to make a shield and hang it on the exterior of their home. (In just a few keystrokes on the monument's computer console I designed my own shield - shown here.) In 1970 the designs came from imagination or known family clan designs. They were made in the garage workshops with fathers working side by side with sons and daughters. We had a parade and all were encouraged to dress in medieval attire. And the hi-lite that I recall were the competitions held between the local churches as to who could build the best working catapult. These catapults were full-functioning, capable of hurling flaming balls of dung and straw, or other ammunition at targets 150-200 metres distant. Our church's entry was pretty amazing and it took many men and young men weeks to build. We had jousts, archery contests, awards for the shields, and costumes. The community spirit was very high. Can you imagine today, having 8 catapults lined up along the end line of a sports field, with flaming ordinance resting in the launch device's cupped bucket, then on signal, all 8 being 'launched' - the 20 foot arms springing forward violently and letting go of their payload with loud whooshing sounds. Hundreds, if not thousands of neighbors, family, and friends, cheering and clapping. Some projectiles landed surprisingly near their seemingly tiny targets (aluminium trash cans 150 or so metres away), some went left or right, or short or long of the targets. There was no risk manager employed, but the volunteer fire department was on hand. For a few days we were medieval knights, or squires, or maidens, or kings or rebels. It was a wonderful time for families that I'll never forget. And here we are, in Scotland, walking where the real medieval heroes and villains walked; looking at their battlefields, hefting their weapons, imagining the horror of hand to hand battle.

Battle of Bannockburn

Only a few miles the other side of Stirling Castle is a site of another medieval battle that took place on June 23 and 24, 1314. Robert the Bruce, one of my 17th great-grandfathers and his 6,000 men, versus another 17th great-grandfather, Edward II and his army of 18,000. I've said before, knowing my family history has made being here in Scotland and learning Scottish history very personal and exciting.

The interpretive centre gave us a great background for the battle before we went out and roamed the grounds.

Bannockburn is a stream that meanders through. Local knowledge of the terrain and sneaky preparations made by Robert the Bruce, created a great advantage against the English and resulted in a lop-sided slaughter. One historian of the 14th century, wrote in the Lancaster Chronicle: "an evil, and calamitous day for the English."

The Pope threatened Scotland with excommunication when it soon after also conquered Berwick, the last English stronghold in Scotland. But Robert penned one of the most beloved responses via the Declaration of Arbroath, 1320.

"As long as one hundred of us remain alive, never will we under any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor for riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom itself, which no honest person gives up but with life itself."

After victory by the Scots in 1314, King Edward II would still not recognize Robert as Robert I, King of Scots. But on Edward II's death, a treaty was sealed on March 17, 1328 and ratified by English parliament. Edward III agreed to treat Scotland as an independent nation ruled by Robert and his heirs. 

The statue of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn is a Pilkington Jackson design, and is an inspiration for many. In a 1964 ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth on the 650th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, the statue was unveiled.

A view to Stirling Castle from Bannockburn.

The Battle of Bannockburn is the most famous Scots victory - a pivotal moment in Scotland's history, and very important in Scottish nationhood. It conjurs up ideas of freedom, independence and patriotism; of heroism, perseverance and triumph against overwhelming odds.

"Yet fast they fell, unheard, forgot, 

Both southern fierce and hardy Scot;

And O! amid that waste of life,

What various motives fired the strife!"

    - Walter Scott, Lord of the Isles, 1815

More Family...

We've had a wonderful visit with Tina's cousin, Neil, and his wife Louise who live in London. She is from Scotland and was visiting an aunt and uncle just 15 km's down the road in Uplawmoor. It was so nice to visit and get caught up on their lives and their family. Have you ever had eggs benedict with haggis and sausage? It was pretty awesome!

Family is a blessing!

Happy Birthday Xander!! Technology allowed us to participate in our grandson, Xander's, 7th birthday today - were able to see him open our gift to him. My oldest sister, Jayna, had her birthday today too. Some multiple of 7..?? Happy Birthday Jayna!

We are excited for another week of ministering and serving here in Paisley, while staying connected to our family and dear friends wherever you are. God bless you all in 2024!

Love ya!

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Member & Leader Support Missionaries

Scotland-Ireland Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

www.churchofjesuschrist.org