BRIDGE HEART
Floodlights honour battle
Stirling’s historic Old Brig has been lit up for the first time to honour one of Scotland’s most famous battle victories.
Braveheart star James Cosmo switched on the f loodlights at the 500-year- old stone footbridge.
It was the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, when “Braveheart” William Wallace led an outnumbered Scottish army to victory over the English.
Cosmo, 75, who played Wallace’s right-hand man Campbell in Mel Gibson’s 1995 Oscar winner, said: “Stirling Bridge and the battle obviously mean a great deal to me, although in the f ilm, of course, there wasn’t a bridge.
“I feel so privileged to have been part of that in a small way and celebrate the history of our great country.
“I know this wonderful light display will make a huge difference in people’s perception of Stirling and hopefully it will bring tourists here year after year.”
The crossing will now be permanently illuminated after dark.
Charity Guardians of Scotland Trust (Gost) led the project as part of a plan to honour Wallace and Andrew de Moray.
A campaign was also launched to raise £ 1.5million for a “Brothers in Arms” sculpture of Wallace and Moray on the north bank of the Forth.
While Wallace became a national hero, his co- commander Moray was fatally injured in the fight and faded into obscurity.
Gost spokesman Ted Christopher said: “Our aim is to make this site a fitting memorial, with a statue of Moray and Wallace as equal partners.
“We’re asking that everybody who cares about this site donates a wee bit towards making this a reality.”
On September 11, 1297, Wallace and Moray decided the bridge was the ideal place to battle the English.
After the English cavalry crossed to the north bank, the Scots destroyed the bridge, stranding most of the infantry on the other side, unable to join the fight.
Stirling archaeologist Murray Cook said: “Without Wallace and Moray, there could be no victory for Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn.
“Now this incredible bridge at the heart of Scotland and its identity has a lighting system fit for the next 500 years.”
This display will make a big difference in people’s perception of Stirling