The Scottish historical society that pays tribute to Sir William Wallace has accused the Scottish Government of snubbing its calls for a national day to celebrate the medieval freedom fighter.
The Society of William Wallace said it was “deeply disappointed” that requests for a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Culture Angus Robertson MSP had been rejected over a period of nearly a year.
They also expressed “profound disappointment” that the Scottish Government’s petition committee had dismissed a parliamentary petition calling for the 23rd of August each year to be formally recognised as National Wallace Day.
The date would mark the anniversary of Sir William Wallace’s execution in London in 1305.
The Society of William Wallace, which describes itself as a “non-political organisation dedicated to upholding the memory of Scotland’s great patriotic hero”, already hosts its own events each year to mark the anniversary.
They say an officially recognised annual National Wallace Day would be “a meaningful step” towards preserving and celebrating Scotland’s heritage and marking “the sacrifices that shaped the nation we know today”.
The Society’s own online petition for a day of “remembrance and celebration in honour of Sir William Wallace” has already gained over 1000 signatures.
But David Reid, the Society’s Convener, said that “despite widespread public support and the historical significance of Wallace’s life and legacy, the government has once again shown little interest in officially honouring one of the nation’s greatest heroes”.
Speaking on the anniversary of Wallace’s greatest victory at the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge earlier in the week Mr Reid added: “It is deeply disheartening that the Scottish Government refuses to meet the Society or indeed embrace this opportunity to acknowledge William Wallace’s role in shaping our nation.
“The rejection of this petition is not just a dismissal of Wallace himself, but of the thousands who continue to cherish and commemorate his memory every year.
“Wallace gave his life for Scotland. Is it really too much to ask that we dedicate one day to remembering him?”
The Society of William Wallace was founded “to preserve and promote the memory and legacy of Wallace through education, events, and heritage projects”.
Together with supporters in Scotland and further afield, it has campaigned for greater recognition of Wallace’s contribution to Scotland’s identity and history for over 20 years.
The proposed National Wallace Day, they claim, would offer “a moment of reflection on Scotland’s long and hard-fought journey; encourage historical education and civic pride; and provide a focal point for cultural events and heritage tourism”.
Mr Reid said the Society would continue its campaign “despite this setback”.
He added: “We will not give up. The people of Scotland deserve a National Wallace Day, and we will continue to push for official recognition.
“Wallace’s spirit still burns brightly, even if those in power choose to ignore it.”
Wallace won his most famous victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11 September 1297.
He was made Guardian of Scotland but was defeated by an English army at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Wallace escaped capture until 1305 when he was betrayed and taken to London where he was hanged, drawn and quartered.
His head was put on a spike on London Bridge and his body sent in pieces to Newcastle, Edinburgh, Stirling and Perth as a warning to others.
The National Wallace Monument near Stirling pays tribute to the freedom fighter, whose legend was boosted further by Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning 1995 epic Braveheart. Over 130,000 people per year now visit the world famous landmark.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ministers recognise William Wallace as a significant figure in Scotland’s history.
“Scottish Government officials met with the Society in April to offer guidance on their specific requests around the recognition of William Wallace with a National Day, and are happy to continue this dialogue.”
