Historic document linked to Robert the Bruce to go on display for open day

An historic document linked to the reign of Robert the Bruce is set to go on public display as part of Scotland’s Doors Open Day 2026.

The royal charter, thought to date back to about 1314, is one of the oldest documents in the Hill Collection of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow.

It records the transfer of lands, including Moidart, Arisaig and Morar, from Christina of the Isles – who was connected to Robert the Bruce by family and marriage – to Artur Caimbeal (Arthur Campbell).

Christina, who was often referred to as Christiana in contemporary records, was the only legitimate child of the Hebridean nobleman Ailean mac Ruaidhri and, after her father’s lands passed to her half-brother, she later sought to establish her own claim to them.

An expert has said the document is a “significant” early example of a woman asserting ownership of land in her own right in medieval Scotland.

“The royal charter is one of our oldest documents with a colourful history linked to the reign of Robert the Bruce,” Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow chief executive John McKenzie said.

“It is just one of many rare items that the public will be able to view as part of doors open day 2026.”

The royal charter is housed inside the faculty in Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre and is one of many rare items that will go on display this month.

Every September, hundreds of buildings and sites across Scotland open their doors to the public for free to celebrate places, history, architecture, and culture.

Visitors will also be able to take a look around the Royal Faculty building, which was designed by the architect Charles Wilson, who also designed Park Circus in Glasgow.

Other artefacts on display include a gavel made from oak which formed part of the roof of Glasgow Cathedral for more than 700 years.

The collection has another wooden gavel, presented to the faculty in 1915, on display. It was made from ancient oak which had grown on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Additionally, visitors will be able to see one of the earliest comic magazines. First published on June 11 1825, the Glasgow Looking Glass was a fortnightly satirical magazine printed in Glasgow.

The robes of Supreme Court Judge Lord Gill, which he recently donated to the faculty, will also be exhibited for the first time on September 19.

“We are privileged to be custodians of some of the country’s rarest artefacts, with some dating back more than 700 years,” Mr McKenzie said.

Mr McKenzie added: “We are fortunate to work in one of Glasgow’s most historic and illustrious buildings and hope the public will enjoy taking a look at some of our rare artefacts while touring the Royal Faculty.”

The faculty will be open to the public between noon and 4pm on Saturday September 19.