Colourful sights are promised for Wallace Day

From Paisley Daily Express


HUNDREDS of patriotic Scots will descend on Braveheart Sir William Wallace’s Elderslie birthplace later this month to commemorate his murder over 700 years ago.

The traditional Wallace Day parade will take place on Saturday, August 21, and leaves from Ludovic Square, in Johnstone, at 2.30pm to walk to the Wallace Monument, in Elderslie, where wreaths are laid.

In the evening, Elderslie Village Hall will host an evening of entertainment with Ted Christopher and Albannach, and a bar will be available.

Wallace Day is one of the most colourful in Renfrewshire’s year and the march is headed by a pipe band and many of those who go along get right into the spirit of things by wearing tartan and carrying Saltires.

Wallace, along with Andrew Moray, is remembered for defeating an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297.

Organisers say the march dedicated to the freedom fighter will draw hundreds of people from across the country.

Wallace was born in the village around 1270 and went on to become Renfrewshire’s most famous son as, along with Andrew Moray, he defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

He was named Guardian of Scotland but resigned the post after defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

Wallace evaded English attempts on his life for several years until he was captured at Robroyston in 1305.

He was handed over to Edward I of England, who had him executed for treason at Smithfield, London.

Now the Society of William Wallace will mark his death with their latest rally.

Wallace’s deeds have long stirred patriotic Scots, with many members of the Scottish National Party using him as a symbol of independence.

The 1995 film Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson as Wallace, gave a highly romanticised portrayal of Wallace, and proved popular with many Scots.

For those of a more literary bent, 15th century minstrel Blind Harry’s The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campion Schir William Wallace is the work to turn to. It was also one of the first books to be printed in Scotland, in about 1508.

Not much is know about Blind Harry, who is thought to have lived from 1440 to 1493.

His great legacy is to have recorded stories about Wallace, which he sang or recited in verse form, which went down a storm at the court of James IV.

Hundreds of years later, Blind Harry’s work was translated and adapted by William Hamilton of Gilbertfield, himself a poet.

And it is extraordinary to think now that this became the most commonly owned book in Scotland.

To this day, interest in Wallace is strong.

The imposing Wallace Monument in Stirling, which was built in the 1860s, is visited by thousands of people every year.

The much more modest Wallace Monument in Elderslie was built in 1912.

Tickets for the evening of entertainment at Elderslie Village Hall are £10 and can be booked by calling 01236 830393.
http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/local-news-in-renfrewshire/paisley-news/2010/08/13/colourful-sights-are-promised-for-wallace-day-87085-27051215/