Among the collection of nineteenth century novels in the library at Broomhall House are three shelves of early editions of works by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). As a writer of historical fiction Scott became the foremost literary figure of his era. Publishing 27 novels over a span of 30 years, he became the first author to enjoy a truly international …
Die Luftschlacht um England – the Battle of Britain eighty years on. A Bruce family recollection
On 10th July 1940 the Luftwaffe unleashed the first of many bombing raids on the British mainland. It was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The battle in the skies over the south of England lasted for 112 days until 31st October when finally the Luftwaffe admitted defeat having lost 1,887 planes and 2,662 aircrew. However, …
The Bruce family and the foundation of Canadian identity.
Canada Day has been held as a national holiday on 1st July since 1867 when the country became a federal self-governing dominion within the British empire. In 1965 Canada adopted a new red and white flag with the maple leaf as the iconic symbol of its nationhood. But the story behind this most recognisable of international flags is closely connected …
A Near Run Thing? The Battle of Bannockburn revisited
The Bruce family has been at the centre of national events in Scotland for over 700 years. Without doubt King Robert the Bruce’s victory over an army led by King Edward II of England, at Bannockburn on 23rd June 1314, is the most notable. Although Robert’s military success was outstanding, he had to endure a further 14 years of war …
VE Day 75th anniversary: The Bruce family and world war (Part 3)
Section Officer Constance Babington-Smith MBE (WAAF/RAF): discovering the Nazis’ weapons of mass destruction Constance Babington-Smith (1912-2000), a grand-daughter of Victor Bruce 9th Earl of Elgin, joined the WAAF in 1939 as an Assistant Section Officer. In 1941 she was posted to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) at RAF Medmenham, where she was later joined by her brother Bernard. The unit …
VE Day 75th anniversary: The Bruce family and world war (Part 2)
Flight Lieutenant Robert Bruce DFC and Bar (RCAF): hunting the V-1 Flying Bomb Born at Inverkeilor in Angus, Robert Bruce (1915-2012) was a great-nephew of Victor Bruce, 9th Earl of Elgin, (grandfather of Constance Babington-Smith). A gifted musician, Robert entered the war as a conscientious objector working with the Friends Ambulance Service during the London Blitz. He was eventually persuaded …
VE Day 75th anniversary: The Bruce family and world war (Part 1)
Andrew Bruce (11th Earl of Elgin) and the Normandy break-out, July/August 1944. Although aged only fifteen when Britain declared war, 96 year old Andrew Bruce ( 11th Earl of Elgin) is one of the few surviving witnesses to the first air battle fought over the British mainland – the Battle of the Forth – which occurred on 16th October 1939. …
An evening to remember: hospitality and tourism guests gather at Broomhall House
The Bruce family recently teamed up with three of its close collaborators MacLean and Bruce, the Adelphi Distillery and Hickory Food to host a special event.
An evening reception brought together 100 guests, representing just some of Scotland’s world-renowned hospitality and tourism sector.
Chasing a Legend; McLaren Automotive returns to Broomhall House
Following their Scottish tour in September 2017, McLaren Automotive again chose Broomhall House as their destination for a brief excursion for the McLaren Senna in January 2019. Launched in 2018 – to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s debut with McLaren Racing – the McLaren Senna was accompanied on its trip to Scotland by the original 2012 McLaren P1. …
Carrying on up the Nile – 250 years on
Featuring an epic African journey, Return to the Nile is a National Geographic commissioned biopic marking the 50th anniversary of Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s 1969 pan-African odyssey. The film follows the Fiennes cousins, Ranulph and Joseph, as they pursue the former’s footsteps. At Broomhall House memories of a much earlier – and just as ambitious – Nile journey can be found …