60 Seconds on Earth: The battle of Bannockburn, the original Scottish independence referendum
Actors re-enact a 700-year-old scene on June 28, 2014.
BANNOCKBURN, Scotland — This fall, Scotland will vote on whether to become an independent nation. The Scottish government characterizes the Sept. 18 referendum as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to break from the UK.
It's a question Scots have considered for many generations, however. The landmark victory in the first war for Scottish independence, 700 years ago, was won against England at the battle of Bannockburn. Re-enactments are annual celebrations here, but with the referendum debate gathering pace this year, organizers of the iconic anniversary were keen to avoid any overt political connotations to the commemorations. The patriotism, though, was undeniable.
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