We are delighted to announce that on Saturday the 30th of May at the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats, our friends from the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society will be unveiling their replica of the Declaration of Arbroath.
This stunning replica is one of only 7 in existence and will be the only one on public display in Scotland. Also in attendance will be members of the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society, who will reveal the history of the Declaration of Arbroath and the role played by Ardrossan in the drafting of the Declaration itself.
The event will also feature the artist who designed these incredible replicas!
“The Declaration is a letter written in 1320 by the barons and whole community of the kingdom of Scotland to the pope. It asks him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.”
The public launch will last from 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm at our Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. (we will still be open from 09:30am and we will shut at 4:30pm as usual)
Read the official press release below.
From Quiet Shores to Bold Words: Ardrossan and a Nation Speaks
Come along and admire the replica and chat to the members of the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society about the history of the document itself!
“For as long as a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English… it is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone.”
— Declaration of Arbroath
A powerful voice from Scotland’s past returns to inspire a new generation.
On 16 September 2024, Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society proudly commissioned an extraordinary fine art facsimile of the Declaration of Arbroath—one of the most significant documents in Scotland’s history.
This remarkable limited-edition piece, the 700th Anniversary “HERO Edition,” is one of only seven in existence worldwide. Created by acclaimed artist Steven Patrick Sim—also known as “The Tartan Artisan”—the work commemorates the 700th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing. Produced in exclusive collaboration with the National Records of Scotland, the artwork is a meticulous and faithful recreation of the original document.
The Society now invites the public to a special launch event celebrating this unique acquisition—the only copy on public display in Scotland.
Join us on 30 May 2026 for a day that brings history vividly to life. Discover the little-known and compelling connection between Ardrossan and the Declaration, hear directly from the artist about the craft and inspiration behind the piece, and be among the first to experience this stunning tribute to Scotland’s enduring fight for freedom. This is more than an exhibition—it is a rare opportunity to stand face-to-face with a defining symbol of a nation’s voice.