Historic battle film given update

A new film of the battle will feature in the Bannockburn visitor centre from next year

More than 120 actors are to feature in a new updated film version of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The National Trust for Scotland said it was creating the high-definition drama to replace a 1980s version playing at its Stirling heritage centre.

The live action scenes for the film were shot last weekend at the Dalmahoy Estate in West Lothian.

The Battle of Bannockburn took place in 1314 when Robert the Bruce's army defeated King Edward II's men.

The film will feature carefully choreographed scenes depicting the brutality of the medieval battle, involving horses and authentic weaponry.

Computer generated imagery is also being used to help create a realistic view of the battle for visitors.

'Awesome sight'

The 10-minute feature is expected to make its debut at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in spring 2009.

Colin MacConnachie, the trust's head of learning services, said: "Recent technological advances mean that the potential to provide a truly awe-inspiring educational film is now a real possibility.

"The new film will give visitors an insight into the historical context of the battle, as well as a taste of what it may have been like on the battlefield almost 700 years ago."

Director Craig Collinson added: "As a Scottish filmmaker, getting to visually interpret the Battle of Bannockburn on this scale is a rare privilege.

"My aim is to capture not only some of the sheer drama of how the battle unfolded - the incredibly intimidating site of Edward's vast army, the jaw dropping duel that took place between Bruce and one of the English knights and the awesome sight of the Scottish spearman advancing."