Story of bid to celebrate hero

THE GUEST speaker at this month’s meeting of Auchterarder History Association was Dr Helen Rapport, from Stirling University.

She revealed the story behind the construction of the national Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig in Stirling.

Although the tale of William Wallace and his defeat of the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge is well known, it took more than 500 years for this to be recognised with a monument.

Following centuries of debate, an architectural competition was held in the 1850s to design a lasting memorial and the winning design was submitted by John Thomas Rochead, a Scottish Nationalist.

Dr Rapport said that the £18,000 needed was raised by public prescription and that a huge crowd turned out to watch the foundation stone being laid in 1861.

She compared the feelings and loyalties of Scots at the time and today, as the independence referendum approaches.

The association’s next meeting takes place on April 11 from 7.30pm at Aytoun Hall and features archaeological ceramic specialist Derek Hall.