Search for lost Wallace sword

IT is a priceless relic that would take pride of place in any Scottish museum.

But historians have admitted that a 700-year-old sword believed to have been wielded by Sir William Wallace has been missing since 1930.

A worldwide hunt is on for the artefact, last seen when it was sold to a Glasgow antique dealer named Moffat.

After Wallace’s death in 1305, the sword was kept at Loudoun Castle in Ayrshire before being taken to England in the 19th century by the Marquis of Hastings.

Sean Donnelly, of the Society of William Wallace, said: ‘The so-called Loudoun sword is a 13th century claymore, so it even looks more true than the “Wallace sword” everyone knows [on display at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling].

‘Mr Moffat assured people at the time that it would stay in Scotland, but after his passing the trail goes cold ....

‘Our biggest concern is it is no longer in the country. There are so few objects around with a physical link to Wallace.

‘We would love for it to be in public hands and on display for the people of Scotland to see.’