From
the Sunday Mail (Glasgow). Here is the copy:
WALLACE'S SWORD SET FOR
TRIP TO NEW YORK
EXCLUSIVE
By Lesley Roberts
WILLIAM WALLACE'S famous double-handed sword
is to leave Scotland for the first time in 700 years.
The 5ft
6in broadsword will be taken from the Wallace Monument, near Stirling, to
New York to be the centrepiece of the Tartan Day celebrations next month.
Armed guards will protect the priceless treasure on its journey across the
Atlantic. But Tartan Day organisers believe it will be worth all the fuss
if they can cash in on the Bravheart factor.
Mel
Gibson, who played Wallace in the Oscar-winning movie, has been invited to
a civic reception where the sword will be displayed. And Braveheart writer
Randall Wallace has been named Grand Marshal of the Tartan Day parade.
This year
is the 700th anniversary of Wallace's brutal execution in London and
tourist officials are determined to make the most of the opportunity.
Stirling Council is expected to rubber-stamp the plan to send the sword to
New York for the event on April 6.
Provost
Colin O'Brien said: 'Lots of other ancient treasures are moved round the
world and many of them have come to Scotland.
'We've
taken specialist advice and it will be handled extremely carefully. This
is a priceless treasure and it will be guarded round the clock.
'I think
Wallace's sword will be an important symbol for the Americans and if it
encourages tourists to come to Scotland and find out more, then that's
great.
'This is
a super chance for Stirling to raise its profile.
Notes
Wallace's sword
The sword
is kept on display at the Wallace Monument, Stirling. After Wallace's
capture in 1305 it was kept at Dumbarton Castle before being moved to
Stirling in 1888. James IV ordered the sword to be rehilted in 1505, in a
style more fitting to 'Scotland's national hero'. Wallace is believed to
have been at least 6ft 6in. Mel Gibson, who played him in Braveheart, is
just 5ft 8in |
