Lanark, The Homecoming

LANARK - THE HOMECOMING; SEPTEMBER 2005

The day started with the collection of the coffin from the private chapel in Lee Castle, where it had lain overnight. A small private service was held, officiated by Celtic Bishop David Stalker. The coffin was then carried the mile from South Lodge to the Cartland Bridge Hotel, where the rest of the march was waiting - pipe band, the Society of William Wallace, a contingent of Sikhs, Siol nan Gaidheal and various others.
The coffin was placed on a horse-drawn cortege and followed the parade up the hill into Lanark, when the coffin was placed in a tent erected on the site of Marion Braidfute's dwelling. A new plaque was unveiled, and then a visitor's book was made available to those who wished to sign it or leave a tribute.

At 6:30 in the evening, the coffin was placed back on the cortege and taken down to the park for a battlefield blessing, conducted by Ken Shirra of the Knights Templar. Ronnie Browne sang "Flower of Scotland", and a saltire cloud appeared in the sky. Ted Christopher sang "I'm Coming Home", and the coffin was then carried back to the cortege for the final journey. Back up the hill, through Lanark and out toward old St Kentigern's kirk the procession wound, as the light faded. On arrival at St Kentigern's, David made a speech and the coffin was lifted from the cortege and placed on trestles. "Marion Braidfute", "John Blair", and some monks appeared from within the kirkyard grounds, and gathered round the coffin. As a lone piper played, the coffin was lifted and carried into the mists, while the kirkyard was illuminated by a crimson glow.

The monks reappeared with Marion and John, and the brazier was lit. This was then used to light the 700 torches issued for a torchlit procession back down to the park, where Ronnie Browne and others entertained the crowds following a spectacular firework display.

Sir William Wallace's Spirit had finally come home.

The bits the public didn't see...

The Spirit of Wallace in Lee Castle Chapel


The walk to Cartland Bridge commences	The coffin is carried over the Cartland Bridge

The front of the march arrives in Lanark	The march continues

The coffin is carried into the tent	The crowd following the cortege

*The cortege arrives*	*Some of the commemoration crew*

Visitors queue to sign the book	Leaving for the battlefield blessing

The Society Banner	David helps load the coffin

*Arriving at the car park*	*Preparing for the blessing*

Preparing for the blessing	Ronnie Browne sings

The blessing	Ted Christopher sings

David talks to the Sikh guards	John Blair leads Marion away from the coffin

St Kentigern's illuminates.	The fireworks begin.

*A wonderful site to behold*	The torchlit procession begins