BRAVEHEART AT 25
Special celebration of Gibson’s 1995 movi e
Stirling is set to mark 25 years since the premiere of iconic film Braveheart in the city.
Braveheart brought Hollywood to Stirling for a special night on Sunday September 3, 1995 – and the area has been reaping the rewards of the Oscar winning movie ever since.
On the big night 25 years ago, the film’s star, director and producer Mel Gibson and his fellow celebrities wowed the crowds – but Stirling and its people in turn wowed the celebrities.
A virtual presentation is now set to take place on September 3 to mark the anniversary.
Braveheart Live 2020 will be hosted by Stirling District Tourism, who operate The National Wallace Monument, and will feature insight from expert speakers. The event will centre on the impact the film has had across Scottish culture and will explore recent discoveries that have shed new light on the historical figure of William Wallace.
Participating speakers include Dauvit Braun, Professor of Scottish History at the University of Glasgow, David Martin Jones, Professor of Film Studies at the University of
Glasgow, and Julie Tinson, Professor of Marketing at The University of Stirling.
Stirling District Tourism marketing manager Ken Thomson said: “We are delighted to be hosting Braveheart Live 2020, bringing together experts from across the fields of history, film studies and marketing to explore the impact this iconic film has had over the last 25 years.
“Braveheart made a colossal impact directly following its European premiere in Stirling, and we will be re-visiting the historical facts surrounding William Wallace, the film’s effect on Scottish tourism, and the different identities imposed onto Wallace over time.”
On the night of the premiere, Hollywood star Mel told the Observer: “It was vital as far as I was concerned that the film be premiered in Stirling. I had always planned that, as it is central to Wallace’s success. I was flabbergasted. I really did not expect such a welcome. I was knocked over by it. Something like that is a great reward. That’s why we work and make films. I loved filming in Scotland and I hope to be back. There are very few places better to work and we had a wonderful experience here.”
Thousands had lined the route from Stirling University, where the film on the life of Scots hero Wallace was screened, to Stirling Castle for a star-studded party. Mel, co-stars Angus Mcfadyen and James Cosmo along with Catherine Zeta Jones, Patsy Kensit and more were cheered en route to the castle for a stunning £700,000 party. Fireworks lit the sky and laser lights beamed from the Wallace Monument.
At the castle, guests – including Dame Diana Rigg and daughter Rachael Stirling, former Scotland rugby skipper Gavin Hastings, and motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart – partied in The Great Hall, mediaeval market stalls were set up outdoors, entertainers donned period costume, a replica of the Wallace Sword was on show and there were Highland dancers, pipers and a ceilidh band – with Mel taking to the floor for a Strip the Willow.
At the castle he delighted guests by mingling – and raised a cheer when he planted a kiss on the cheek of then Stirling Provost Pat Greenhill after she presented him with a Wallace Sword letter opener.
The blockbuster movie went on to win five awards at the 1996 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson.
After the ceremony, Mel told the Hollywood press he would never forget the reception he received in Stirling, adding: “The people were standing eight deep from the university to the castle. It was unbelievable.”
Braveheart Live 2020 will take place at 7pm on September 3, and it is free to join. Advanced registration is required – email katie.sdtourism@ btconnect.com to reserve a place. The webinar will be recorded and made accessible for viewing afterwards.