Bore Stane

Before you stands the Bore Stane a seemingly unassuming stone. Yet this modest landmark holds a captivating tale. It’s a piece of Edinburgh’s history. Located on Morningside Road it sits at the end of a wall bordering Chalmers Church. The Bore Stane is shorter than a person just 4 feet 10 inches tall. Legend claims King James IV rallied his troops here before the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The Royal Standard was supposedly pitched into the stone. However this story is debated. Some records suggest the army assembled elsewhere. An archaeological study even hinted the stone might be a cist cover a small stone coffin. Despite these uncertainties the Bore Stane remains a cherished landmark and war memorial. In 2013 local efforts raised £1700 to restore its plaque. The plaque proudly proclaims its significance. It describes the Royal Standard pitched in the stone before the fateful battle. Sir John Stuart Hepburn Forbes had the stone placed on its pedestal in 1852. He moved it from a nearby field. The inscription on the plaque even includes a verse from Marmion. It speaks of the Royal Banner’s weight on the sturdy pine staff. The Bore Stane stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in Scottish history. Whether or not it truly witnessed the muster its presence is undeniably powerful. It connects us to the past reminding us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought at Flodden. The Bore Stane is more than just a stone. It is a symbol of Edinburgh’s enduring spirit. It serves as a poignant reminder of Scotland’s rich and sometimes contradictory past.