The Wallace Monument
The Memorial to William Wallace, Known as Braveheart
Scotland's national hero, William Wallace, stands tall with this monument overlooking Stirling.
The name William Wallace conjures up images of Mel Gibson and the nickname Braveheart. So it’s no surprise that, in the carpark at the base of Stirling’s National Wallace Monument, one passes a larger than life statue of the man which bears more than a passing resemblance to the movie star. Scotland’s greatest folk hero may not have looked like a matinee idol in real life, but his fame has stood the test of time.
A Controversial Monument
Rising 200 ft from the top of Abbey Craig, an impressive hill two miles outside Stirling, the towering monument was built in 1869 amid much controversy. Riding a wave of Scottish nationalism, a group of businessmen first mooted the idea of a monument to the man who had been rediscovered as a great patriot. But it wasn’t until the 1850s that the project began in earnest. Funding was raised, and a design commissioned. Work began confidently in 1863, but soon slackened due to funding issues, and it wasn’t until six years later that the finished tower was completed.
Once up the 246 steps to the top of the tower, visitors can look out over the Forth Valley, and imagine the hordes of English soldiers advancing their way north. Believed to be the site where Wallace observed the approaching army before his triumphant victory at Stirling Bridge, the views are breathtaking, with Stirling’s impressive castle taking centre stage.
Along the way, exhibits on each floor detail the life of the great hero - and his gruesome death at the hands of the English king, Edward I. An enormous broadsword, reputedly belonging to the man himself, is on display. 700 years old and weighing six pounds, it’s an enthralling piece of cutlery, even if its provenance is slightly in doubt.
The Hall of Heroes
Further up the stairs, a rather kitsch hall of heroes hosts a display of busts of Scotland’s most famous sons (and sons they all are, with not a woman among them). Some are hardly household names, but Robert the Bruce, Robbie Burns and Sir Walter Scott will ring a bell with most visitors.
Back down to earth, and the gift shop and cafe are on hand to help extend the heroic experience. The National Wallace Monument is reachable by road from Stirling, and is also regularly visited by tour buses from the town. Open daily year round (times vary seasonally - see the official site for current opening hours). Admission costs $13 for adults and $8 for children.
