Gambling With Robert the Bruce

The Pentland Hills just south of Edinburgh consist of a jumble of small hills and reservoirs, perfect for an easy day of hiking. Back in the 14th century, it was the perfect place for hunting as well, a short distance out of the busy city and King Robert the Bruce visited regularly. However, every time he did, he was faced with an embarrassing problem.

The same white deer showed up every time, constantly evading the best efforts of his hunting dogs. It was getting a little embarrassing for the warrior king to be shown up by the same prey time after time. So, on one occasion when the white deer presented itself, Robert asked if any of his companions believed that their hounds could do a better job than his?

Most of the men knew better than to show up a King, but not Henry Sinclair. His two Scottish Deerhounds were faster and stronger than any he'd ever met! With the arrogant confidence and inexperience of youth, he claimed upon his life that his dogs could do it with ease.

An irritated Robert took this young bravado literally. If the dogs brought the white deer down before it crossed the river, then Henry would be granted all of the Pentlands. If they failed, then the King would take his head instead.

Now more than a little nervous, Sinclair released the hounds, one called Hold and the other Help. The deer was quicker than Sinclair had realised and was heading straight for the river and its freedom on the other side. Unsurprisingly, Sinclair was praying furiously to St Katherine for assistance.

Suddenly Hold sped up and caught the deer right in the middle of the burn, holding it fast. Help arrived and the pair finally brought the majestic animal down, securing Sinclair's life and endowment of the entire Pentland Hills.

In thanks for her help, the new lord of the Pentlands built a chapel to St Katherine right next to where the deer was caught. That building now lies somewhere under the Glencorse Reservoir, flooded to provide drinking water for Edinburgh.