TWO hundred years ago this weekend the remains of one of Scotland’s most famous heroes were discovered in Dunfermline.

Workmen excavating the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey on February 17, 1818 – to prepare it for the building of a new church – stumbled across the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce.

The discovery provoked worldwide interest and placed Dunfermline, the former capital of Scotland and the resting place of many kings and queens, under a global spotlight and there are events to celebrate the anniversary.

The finest forensic scientists of the time were later deployed and held that the uncovered grave was that of the famous king.

Born in 1274, Robert the Bruce was crowned king in 1306 and famously defeated Edward II's English forces in a battle for Scottish independence at Bannockburn in 1314.

He died in 1329 with his body placed in a wooden coffin within the tomb at Dunfermline Abbey and his heart, in accordance with his wishes, was buried at Melrose Abbey.

To mark the rediscovery of the Bruce’s tomb, the Abbey Church will be open on Saturday February 17 from 11am to 2pm for those who would like to visit.

The tomb is situated behind the church’s pulpit.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Dr Derek Browning, will also preach at a special service this Sunday at 10.30am to mark the anniversary, the first of a number of significant milestones in the life of the Abbey Church of Dunfermline.

Minister at Dunfermline Abbey, the Rev MaryAnn Rennie said: “This is the first of a series of significant anniversaries in the life of the historic Abbey church, a constant presence in the life of Dunfermline and Scotland for over a thousand years.

“We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the Abbey Church of Dunfermline to mark this important and historic anniversary in the life of not just Dunfermline, but Scotland.”

The service with the moderator will be followed by a special lunch at the Glen Pavilion, at which a new appeal will be launched to help provide direct support to refugees and also support the Abbey Church of Dunfermline Restoration Fund to ensure the preservation of the church, which has a proud legacy as a place of sanctuary and refuge.

David Bradwell, refugee co-ordinator for Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees, will deliver an address entitled ‘When I Needed A Neighbour’.

A series of events have been planned to mark a number of significant dates for the Church later this year and over the next three years.