The children invited me along to their school to show me their work on William Wallace where I was treatedto a fantastic fashion show with weapons and dress of the era that the children had made themselves. I was extremely impressed with their knowledge and the work they had put in and had a tremendous day.

A big well done to their Teacher Erica Hughes whose enthusiasm and teaching skills so obviously shone through with the knowledge the children were able to demonstrate.

I was very pleased and honoured to present them with their certificate and Wallace coin for winning the competition. Personally I can’t wait to see their poem on the monument when it's built, more on that later.

On a personal note the kids have helped me get re-motivated as I have been really down since the referendum result but the fight still goes on. I'm sure Wallace faced many hardships in his life and many owere put in his way, he never gave up and neither shall we.

It's almost that time of year where we have the Society’s AGM which will once again be a poignant one as Duncan will no longer be our convenor or as we called him ‘ THE BOSS’, but he'll always be the boss in our eyes, we miss him, I miss him.

I still miss our calls on a Friday and Saturday and being able to run things past my friend.

On more of a positive note the Young Lions are up to 420 likes on their Facebook page which is brilliant and a great deal of thanks go to Abbey and Charli Stewart for their work on this and I know Duncan would have been proud of them as he loved the idea of getting the youngsters involved.  

We have been very lucky this year with many of our youngter members coming to the fore. My own two daughters, Stephanie Reilly,  Kyle Christopher all made their maiden speeches.

The Society, I believe is in good hands and the future is looking bright which is good news as some of us are not getting any younger...

It’s also great news to hear that Duncan’s partner Jean would like to take a more active role within the Society which I am really happy about.

Please note our AGM is on MONDAY the 17th of November this year due to the Scotland v England game on the 18th which a lot of the Society members are going to.

Look forward to a successful AGM and hope to see as many of our members their as possible

Yours Aye, for Scotland

Gary Stewart, Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Anybody who was at the night event or listened to the speeches will know exactly what the mood of the day and night regarding the referendum was and if that didn’t work then the big YES banner in the hall may well have given it away

Still on the topic of Wallace day the David R Ross award which is given to our member of the year was won by Ted Christopher this year, who if I gave the reasons why he won it, I would be here all day.

A much deserved award and knowing Ted as I do, he will be honoured winning an award in the name of his best friend and will treasurer and look after the award the same way as every previous winner has undoubtedly done.

We then had the Stirling Bridge commemoration run by our friend and member of the year, Ted Christopher. Once again this event was a tremendous success with our own George Boyle making a speech on behalf of the Society and Teds son Kylie making his own maiden speech which was about our late convenor Duncan which had a few of us in tears.

I missed Stirling Bridge as I had not been well for about 3 to 4 weeks but the reports that came back was that everyone had a great time and that the evening event was a wonderful success also.

I can’t talk about September and not mention the referendum and the result which I believe will hinder a lot of what the Society tries to do.

Sitting up till 4.30am with my daughter Abbey the tears came easily to both our eyes as we realised we had lost which was very hard to take. I felt like we had failed the youth of Scotland.

I am sure Wallace was in tough times and had set backs but he never stopped fighting and seeing the determination of people in the 45, we won’t and can't stop now  

For me the result was about our Freedom, Our Kids future and our three patriot friends Davie, Duncan and Lachlan who had campaigned all their life for a YES victory and to me a victory would have been like a bit of closure of their life’s work, if that makes sense.

On a personal note could I say a big thank you to George Boyle for his help and support since the passing of Duncan Fenton as its been a tough time for us all

On a more positive note and some good news, David R Ross’s daughter gave birth to a wee baby Boy on 11th September 2014 (Anniversary of Wallace’s victory at Stirling Bridge) and has named him after his Grandad  David

Our best wishes go to Kimberley and James

Yours Aye, for Scotland

Gary Stewart, Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Since last month we tried a new a new set up at our monthly meetings with not just the committee talking about what we have done but basically getting everyone who attends to join in and have a brain storming session which worked tremendously well, If you wish to get involved in this new set up then look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

We have had 2 commemorations this month, Falkirk and also Robroyston and for both days the good old Scottish weather could not dampen spirits.

A big thank you to Gordon Aitken for his work in the Falkirk event and also the new group the battle of Falkirk Commemoration Group who took over the running of the night event

I would like discuss something regarding both events which gives me spirit for the future and know it was something Duncan was very positive about is getting youth involved into our commemorations, We have went one step further and have got youth involved in making speeches at these events and a big well done go to my daughter Abbey Stewart and also another young patriot Stephanie Reilly who made their debuts and trust me they will not be one offs as both speeches were outstanding.

There is also another couple of young patriots in Kyle Christopher and also Charli Stewart who will be looking to make their debuts next year.

We have Wallace day this month and although always a tremendous event each year it will be sadness this year with Duncan’s passing but I am positive the Committee will make sure the day goes well in Duncan’s memory.

To finish Off I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their kind words and support in this difficult time for the Society but you have my word I will do everything in my power to see the Society go from strength to strength.

Yours Aye, for Scotland

Gary Stewart, Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Duncan not only gave us the strength we needed to go forward but his leadership, knowledge and drive pushed us all forward to achieve more than we thought we were capable of, for a lot of us it's not just this we will miss the most, but his friendship, and as I said at Duncan's funeral I will miss our hourly chats on a Saturday afternoon.

George Boyle is now getting used to loving those chats now LOL.

We also had Bannockburn to get through and this was shaping up to be a financial disaster for the Society but George Boyle took the bull by the horns and rescued the night event and hats are well and truly off to him as with everything else that was going on could not have been easy.

Bannockburn was a tremendous success and a wonderful day and night was had by all.

Duncan’s partner Jean laid the Society wreath in Honour of Duncan, Irene Clarke and myself had the honour of scattering some of Duncan’s ashes at the tree which stands in the shadow of Stirling Brig’ which the Society planted and George Boyle read out the speech that Duncan had written for the day.

With regards to Bannockburn it would be remiss of me to not give due credit to our dear friend Ted Christopher who organised a whole week of events in the Stirling area after Stirling Council cancelled the Homecoming due to lack of funds, funny how funding was found for Armed Forces Day, Stirling Council should holding their heads in shame.

As happened with the passing of Davie the Society required people to step up to the plate and be counted we require this even more with the passing of our great friend Duncan.

I am sure Duncan is up there with Davie and Lachlan enjoying his well-earned rest from all the work that he did not only for the Society but for his beloved Scotland as well.

RIP my friend, until we meet again. 

Yours Aye, for Scotland

Gary Stewart, Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

A bunch of wealthy aristocrats who fell out amongst themselves, and then abused their positions of power to send millions of innocent victims to their death to prove a point?
 
Of course, the reason for this brazen attempt to tug at the heartstrings of the long-suffering public in the belief that no-one would disagree what the armed forces were used for, is, to put it simply, to overshadow forthcoming events in Scotland in 2014.
 
The Commonwealth Games, The Ryder Cup, the 700th Anniversary of Bannockburn & of course the Independence Referendum. The pathetic attempt to divert attention from these events is as transparent as it is typical.
 
An obvious one is the granting of a march by the Armed Forces in Bannockburn on the SAME DAY as the 700th Commemoration march.

Surely this would be more appropriately held on Armistice Day, in November, or VE Day.  The very fact that it is being held on the same day is an obvious statement to attempt to dilute the crowd at Bannockburn.  
 
The people of Scotland are beginning to see the hype coming from the UK government, who see their cash cow disappearing rapidly.  Their gravy train is coming off the rails.  Ordinary folk are sick of reading stories in the press of  illegally inflated expense accounts for MP’s, while we are using foodbanks!!
 
Scotland WILL rise again & she WILL flourish.
YOU have a chance to make it so.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

The way I see things now is, put the illness to the back of my mind, & get on with what we do best.  We have many events to organise, people to get on board with projects & generally continue to promote the SOWW & what it stands for; furthering the name & ideals of Sir William Wallace both at home & abroad.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

The most important date in the calendar is undoubtedly the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.  It promises to be a day full of excitement & historic importance, but will be tinged with the sad knowledge that our friends, Davie Ross & Lachlan McCann will not be able to stand with us, having received a higher calling.
 
So, plenty to keep us busy in the months ahead.  Secure in the knowledge that we have a very good team, all capable of delivering a high standard of work, I am confident to take a back seat for now, knowing full well that everything that has to be done, will be done.
 
A wee message for veteran member Archie Miller, who has also undergone extensive surgery,  “Come back stronger, my friend, you are needed as much as ever”.
 
2014, being a very important year in Scotland’s history, I would like to see as many of you at our events, to show the public what we do.  The eyes of the world will be on Bannockburn in June.  Let’s give them something to see & to talk about.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

I just managed to cross a ford about two feet high, with the water rushing past at an alarming rate.  I waited until a land rover went through first to gauge the depth of it.

Once inside, the crew miked me up & went through what they expected me to do.
We filmed in the Edward room, where the English king based his operations against Wallace prior to the battle of Falkirk.  A very atmospheric place where you could still sense Edward’s simmering anger emanating from the very stones.

I kept thinking, Big Davie Ross would have been in his element here, but initially I found it a little daunting.
We filmed from 10.30 till 12.30  re-doing a few sequences to suit different camera angles.  At first a little nervous, the film crew soon put me at ease, & I really enjoyed the experience.  It was good to be able to put Wallace’s side of the argument to an audience where he is normally portrayed as a rebel & an outlaw.  I didn’t have the chance to stand by Wallace in 1305, so I stood by him today. I had a weird feeling that I was here to defend his reputation.

I hope I did him justice.

As there will be no meeting as usual in December, I would like to wish all our members a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

2014 will be a memorable year, of that I’m sure.  I hope to see many of you at our forthcoming events.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

So it was a great experience to be a part of the march for Scotland’s Independence in Edinburgh recently.
We live in exciting times & I am grateful to have the chance to play a part, however small, to help deliver that freedom.

When I was asked 30 years ago, if I thought I would see an independent Scotland in my lifetime, my reply was that it was extremely unlikely.  When I was asked the same question 20 years ago, I thought  - just maybe.  When I was asked 10 years ago, I thought it was inevitable.  Today, I am sure Scotland’s freedom is just around the corner.  We stand on the edge of a new dawn, & we will be lucky enough to witness it. 

It is sad that there will be some that won’t be here to see it, such as  the campaigners from many years ago, to our friends Davie Ross & Lachlan McCann. But the groundwork they put in over the years has been the force for the final push over the line.

The positive spirit which pervaded the whole day of the rally reinforced my belief that the best people to make decisions regarding Scotland’s future – are Scots, not some out-of-touch English politicians in far-off  Westminster.

As we approach the finish line, I am now convinced that we will finally see what Wallace fought & gave his life for – Scotland’s freedom.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

So it was a great experience to be a part of the march for Scotland’s Independence in Edinburgh recently.

We live in exciting times & I am grateful to have the chance to play a part, however small, to help deliver that freedom.

When I was asked 30 years ago, if I thought I would see an independent Scotland in my lifetime, my reply was that it was extremely unlikely.  When I was asked the same question 20 years ago, I thought  - just maybe. 

When I was asked 10 years ago, I thought it was inevitable.  Today, I am sure Scotland’s freedom is just around the corner.  We stand on the edge of a new dawn, & we will be lucky enough to witness it.  It is sad that there will be some that won’t be here to see it, such as  the campaigners from many years ago, to our friends Davie Ross & Lachlan McCann. But the groundwork they put in over the years has been the force for the final push over the line.

The positive spirit which pervaded the whole day of the rally reinforced my belief that the best people to make decisions regarding Scotland’s future – are Scots, not some out-of-touch English politicians in far-off  Westminster.

As we approach the finish line, I am now convinced that we will finally see what Wallace fought & gave his life for – Scotland’s freedom.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Skiltron were the perfect complement to the evening, with their driving beat getting everyone up on their feet.  When they played a specially written song from their new album, called “On the Trail of David Ross”, commemorating the Big Warmer, the audience really appreciated it.

Thanks to Lily, Marion & her crew, manning the tea room throughout the day, our hard-working bar staff, including new recruit, Abbey Stewart, the door staff, & all office bearers & members for helping out where needed.

Thanks to Ziggy for manning the merchandise stall, which did really well. All those who donated raffle prizes & drink for the bar, gratefully received.

Special thanks to Archie for decking out the monument & surrounding area, prior to the commemoration, & taking it all down again.

Every single person played their part & made it a day to remember.

I thank you all & hope to see you all again next year.

It will be 2014.

It will be bigger & better, with hopefully a brighter future.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    

Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

We had been asked to attend the culmination of a project by the pupils of Shawlands Primary School.  By luck, a couple of weeks before, Gary had met David O’Hara, who played Stephen of Ireland in Braveheart.  So he asked David if he was available & would like to come along. 

So, George, Gary & myself arrived at the school & David was already there.  It was a real pleasure to meet him.  A real down-to-earth guy who was genuinely pleased to be there.  We showed him our copy of the Wallace Letter, which had been presented to us by the National Archives of Scotland last January, which received a “Wow!” in response.

We also took along Gerald’s shield, which proved a great hit with teachers & pupils alike. 

After meeting the staff, we were shown into the main hall.  The school had been divided into houses, with their name being that of a Scottish icon.   Represented were Burns, Andy Murray, Charles Rennie Mackintosh & so on.  We were there obviously for Wallace House. 

We were then treated to some musical numbers by the children, including violins, recorders & the whole choir singing “Caledonia”.  It was very well done, the pupils having been working on the project for nearly a year. 

Then, one by one, the banners, each around 12 feet long & 5 feet wide, were unfurled from the banisters above, dropping into the main hall.

Each house’s representative said a few words; Andy Murray was playing overseas, but had sent a letter, which was read out. 

I then said a few words to the children, thanking them for their outstanding work.

David O’Hara was introduced, the kids knowing him from the Harry Potter movies. 

After the children filed back to their classes, we were invited back up to the staff room to chat with some of the teachers. 

I can’t thank David enough for attending this event with us.  It made our day, never mind the kids’. 

We have also been invited to a Gala Day in Barmulloch in June, so it seems we are about to get pretty busy this year.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    
Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

Although many of the things we do are directly related to William Wallace, our membership is also very interested in other aspects of Scottish history.This September sees the 500th anniversary of the ill-fated Battle of Flodden, in which King James IV was killed, along with many nobles & knights of the realm, the “Flowers of Scotland”.

Myself & Gary thought that this would be an appropriate time to request a loan of the possessions taken from King James, to go on display in museums on both sides of the border.  These are his sword, dagger & the turquoise ring, gifted to him by Queen Anne of France.  They are currently held in the College of Arms, London.

After we had a meeting in parliament, the College of Arms was approached, & they are amenable to allowing these items to be loaned for display. 

We’ll keep you posted on developments. 

I was phoned recently by two different journalists for input on the story that the Kirk o’ the Forest in Selkirk, where Wallace was knighted, is in a bad state of repair. 

I emphasised that these places are so important in the teaching of Scotland’s history, to put flesh on the bones of dry history books, & to see & experience the very places where important events in our nation’s history took place. 

It seems that nobody is willing to take responsibility for its repair & upkeep, because of the cost.  In my opinion, money should not be a factor in preserving something as important as this.  Sadly, I’ve come across this before with the fight to save Wallace’s Well.

Thanks to Mark Entwistle & Neil Poorans for running their respective articles. 

Hopefully, now that both of these stories are in the public eye, something positive will come of it.  I would like to stress how vital it is for the public to keep an eye on our historic sites & report anything that needs attention at the earliest opportunity. 

We did not inherit this beautiful country from our fathers – we have only borrowed it from our children.  Let’s ensure that we maintain our built heritage & battle sites for future generations for their education & enjoyment.

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    
Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

Well, here we go into another year. 

Firstly, I’d like to thank my fellow members for re-electing me to the position of Convenor of the Society.  I have always felt it an honour to be a member of the SOWW, to be elected Convenor is a privilege, which I hope I can fulfil to the best of my ability. And may I wish all my fellow office bearers & committee members all the best for the coming year. 

There is so much to do, so many projects to continue with.
Our Centenary Year was as good as it possibly could have been. 

The Wallace Letter’s return, the launch of our registered tartan & the many good friendships forged & contacts made, proved to be a huge success. 

Thanks to the sterling efforts of Jean & Archie Millar, who managed to secure a venue & a caterer at short notice for our annual dinner, we had a ball, with Ted Christopher on sparkling form. 

We now have so many members actively promoting the Society that I’m sure we can build on the success of last year. Many thanks to all who gave of their time, skills, money & effort to ensure that success. 

With only a year & a half to go now until the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn,  preparations continue to ensure that this will be as much of a success, & as memorable as, the 700th Wallace anniversary, back in 2005. 

Although strictly not a Wallace-related event, I’m sure many of our members will be attending the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden in September.

All in all, much to plan for & to look forward to. I hope to see many of you at some of the forthcoming events. 

On a positive note, in the last few decades, the commemoration of Scotland’s history & heritage has increased greatly, as has the awareness of this amongst the general public.  I am increasingly impressed by the knowledge of the folk whom I meet on my travels through Scotland.

 As one of the “old-schoolers”, who had to trawl libraries for information on our nation’s history,  I envy today’s generation, who can access much more information through the medium of the internet.  This can only be a good thing & encourage people to learn as much as they can, to become better informed on our past. The more we are aware of our past, the better we can plan for our future. 

So, let’s get on with it.   

Yours for Scotland,  

Duncan Fenton    
Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots,

Well, it has been quite a busy year in our Centenary.

A very big thank you to all those who worked hard all year to make this, in my opinion, one of the most successful years in the history of the Society.

With the Wallace Letter’s return, the new SOWW tartan, the Wallace coins, several visits to the Scottish Parliament & various meetings with the authorities regarding current & future projects, we have been kept very busy indeed. 
Not to mention the many events that we attended throughout the year. 

Some members, including myself, attended the St. Andrews day march in Bathgate, organised by George Thom.  A decent turnout, we marched through the town & a bus was laid on for marchers, back to the Highlander Hotel, in Armadale.
George & myself gave speeches, among others. Fiery Jack were on form as usual.

Thanks to Jean & Archie, we have found a new venue for our annual Wallace Xmas night out.  They managed, at very short notice, to book Elderslie Wallace Bowling Club, and also to find a caterer to supply a buffet at very good prices.

Although not as busy as previous years, due to the last-minute nature of the booking, we had a ball, with Ted Christopher on form as usual, & an impromptu piece of “Strictly Come Dancing” from Gary & Tom.  Guys, you were a hoot!

Finally, I’d like to say what an honour it has been for me, to serve as Convenor of the Society, & hope I have managed to fulfil the trust in those who voted for me.  Thank you.

I wish all our members a Merry Christmas & very Happy New Year.

I hope to see you at many of our events next year.

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton      
Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

It’s been a quiet October, after all the busy months we have had throughout this year. 

All we have left to do this year is the St. Andrews Day March on 24th November in Bathgate, & our Annual Wallace Society Xmas Dinner. Looking forward to both. 

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th November, when all office bearers will step down & elections will take place for the vacant posts. 

William Ballantyne has suggested we film the proceedings & put it on our website. An excellent idea. 

This will give members, who for reasons of distance cannot attend meetings, a chance to see what goes on. 

I’d like to say what an honour it has been for me, to serve as Convenor of the Society, & hope I have managed to fulfil the trust in those who voted for me. Thank you. 

A special mention for our Fundraising Coordinator in the US, Randy Dedrickson. He has made an outstanding contribution to the SOWW this year, both in monetary terms & in raising the profile of the Society abroad. We need more of his type. 

A very big well done & thank you to all our other office bearers & members, who have made our Centenary Year a very special one. Everyone has been just fantastic.

Yours for Scotland, 

Duncan Fenton Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

Several members attended the March for Independence in Edinburgh recently.

It was an honour to be able to speak at the same event as the likes of Alex Salmond, Margo MacDonald, Dennis Canavan & many others. 

Dougie MacLean singing Caledonia made my day. 

On a more sombre note.  I think it is absolutely disgusting that (Call me Dave) Cameron, the UK Prime Minister, has decided that his government will spend £50 million to commemorate the START of World War I.  Yes, that’s right, the START! 

To most other observers, it would be fitting to have a commemoration for the cessation of hostilities in 2018.  To honour the men & women who gave their lives fighting in that hellish conflict is only right & proper.  Celebrating the beginning of the war, in which the aristocracy of Europe used the common man to settle their petty disputes, is abhorrent.  What must the relatives of those who suffered be thinking, when next to nothing was spent on them when they were alive, but he is willing to spend £50 million of our money in these cash-strapped times. 

I hope most people will see this charade for what it is, a crass, heavy-handed attempt to hoodwink the public into thinking that Scotland is better off as part of Britain.  He is trying to prolong the Team GB/Olympimania/Jubilee jingoistic rhetoric that we have all been subjected to this year. 

I, for one, am heartily sick of it, & I hope it backfires on him. 

Yours for Scotland, 

Duncan Fenton Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

Well, the commemorations have come thick & fast.  We had Robroyston, Wallace Day & Stirling Bridge in quick succession. 

And, in the same month, three visits to the Scottish Parliament.  Phew! 

Robroyston was as good as it always is, with Glen Wood writing a speech, but not feeling confident enough as yet, to deliver it.  I was pleased to voice it for him. 

Wallace Day was just hectic from start to finish, which for me was 1.50 am.

Ted had a prior engagement, but Fiery Jack were superb & Albannach were fantastic as well.  The knockout punch was from Argentina-based Skiltron, who had originally asked to play a couple of acoustic numbers, but which turned into a full-blown mini gig! 

Congratulations to George Boyle, on receiving the David R. Ross Memorial Quaich, well deserved indeed.  What I didn’t expect was to be presented by a quaich to commemorate the SOWW Centenary.  To say I was taken by surprise would be an understatement!  Thanks to my fellow committee members for this honour.  As promised, I will hand it back in a hundred years for the next recipient! 

Then Stirling Brig, organised by Ted Christopher.  We proudly marched from the castle esplanade, accompanied by Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop.  Arriving at the tree, we heard some great speeches & a couple of songs from Ted. 

Then, over to the Rugby club for a great night’s entertainment supplied by Schiehallion & Ted & his Bannockburn Band. 

It’s been a hectic but very enjoyable Centenary Year for the Society. 

Yours for Scotland, 

Duncan Fenton Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear patriots, 

Many thanks are in order to our members for doing their bit for the Society. Thanks to Gerald Thorpe, who made 2 fantastic Wallace shields & gifted them to the Society, & lately, he has just finished a superb banner for us.

Thanks to Ken Shirra, of the Knights Templar, who donated CD Rom copies of the text of Blind Harry’s Wallace, for sale at Wallace Day. 

Thanks to Eric Johnson, for sending money from WUSA memberships. Thanks to Randy Dedrickson, our fundraising officer in the US, for sending money he had raised.  

Thanks to Robroyston Community Centre for printing the leaflet highlighting the Wallace Memorial Cross & Wallace’s Well.  I was given a box of 6000, which was distributed among members to put into libraries, information centres, etc. 

Thanks to Andy for making my sporran & to Tom for making me a walking stick depicting the Wallace Letter. 

Thanks to all the committee for their long hours of hard work that the public don’t see & contributions made by members which ensure the smooth running of the Society 

Every month when I send the newsletter out, I get quite a few bounce back as undeliverable.  I used to take note of these & try to re-send it in the few days ahead.

It’s not so much an issue now, as people can read it on the website or Facebook. 

But  I would like to ask if you have changed your e-mail address, please contact us with your new details. 

Well, the Wallace Letter is now home in Scotland.  Myself & Gary were invited to the Scottish Parliament for the opening of the exhibition, at which the Lubeck Letter was also on show. 

The following day, around 150 people turned up outside the building as we gave a very personal thank you to all involved in the campaign.  With Albannach & Ted Christopher setting the mood by providing the music, we had fine speeches from Gary, Jim Singer, Mark Hirst & Ted. 

A fantastic day which will be remembered for ever. 

4 days later, the Society’s committee members were again invited to the civic reception, where we met the MSP’s, historians, academics & curators.

Another great evening & a highlight in the history of the Society. 

Yours for Scotland, 

Duncan Fenton Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear patriots, 

Andy Murray did his best at Wimbledon in the Mens’ Final, but it just wasn’t enough to beat one the best tennis players the world has ever seen. 

Many people I spoke to were annoyed at the BBC’s commentators & the newsreaders who were on air prior to the match. 
I know we have come to expect reporting biased in favour of “British” & all things English, but this was on a different scale. 

Much mileage was made out of Murray being the first British player to reach the final for 76 years, but not one mentioned that this was a first for a Scot.

Before the match started, we were treated to snippets of commentaries from years gone by.   Geoff Hurst’s goal in 1966, Jonny Wilkinson’s drop kick to win the Rugby, were the first of many.  English victories – nothing whatsoever to do with Scotland. 

The mindset of the BBC seems to be, keep overloading the audience with tales of how great England & Britain are, & we’ll roll over & just accept it.  I think it will have the opposite effect. 

After Murray lost, some of the comments in the English press were shameful, notably the Daily Mail.  Comments from readers on their webpage were over the top, some downright racist in content. 

The next sporting event that Scots are supposed to benefit from, if we are to listen to what we are told, is the London Olympics.  Apathy is such that 90% of tickets for Hampden Football Stadium are left unsold.  So the Olympic committee have decided to give them away free to schoolchildren & youth groups.  Common sense at last, even although their reasoning is more to do with not looking like failures. 

Scotland is slowly gaining more coverage in the world’s media, one instance is that of the First Minister, Alex Salmond, being invited to the USA for the Premiere of the Scots based cartoon, “Brave”. 

Once Scotland gains more control of its own affairs, we can maybe then repaint the picture that the London-based media gives to the rest of the world. 

As I write, the Society of William Wallace Centenary Tartan is being woven on Bute, & will be ready soon.  I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Christine, for all her hard work in designing the tartan & getting the project off the ground.  Hopefully, the plaids that we will be wearing will be around in another hundred years, when we are gone.  Thus, the SOWW will continue. 

Yours for Scotland, 

Duncan Fenton Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, 

As Scots, we have become used to having “Britishness” forced upon us over the years, but as the Olympics & the Queen’s diamond jubilee approach, it has become a frenzy. 

The latest dictat to come from London is that we will not be allowed to fly our own national flag, the saltire, at Hampden while the football matches are being played there.  This can only be perceived as a downright insult. As a proud Scot, my saltire flies all year round & will continue to do so. I hope yours does too. 

As if that wasn’t enough, reports are coming in about giving police powers to order the removal of any anti-

Olympic posters or banners that people may display in their windows. That is verging on the Orwellian. 

Added to that is the decision to place fire beacons on selected sites across the UK for the diamond jubilee celebrations.  Sounds inoffensive enough until you learn that at least 2 of the sites in Scotland, Loudoun Hill in Ayrshire & the hill occupied by the huge Wallace statue in Dryburgh, have important connections to our history. 

It seems that by superimposing “Britishness” on our historical sites, we will be somehow brainwashed into accepting it all. I expect it will have the opposite effect. 

I have nothing against the Olympics as such, although the original idea of amateur athletes doing their best for their country has become lost, as professionals now take part.  The quest for countries’ governments to outdo each other in the medal stakes has taken preference to the whole concept of the games. 

To add insult to injury, obscene amounts of money have been diverted from deserving causes in Scotland to finance London’s whims. 

Good luck to any Scot who has aimed for this for the last four years, but I hope that any Scottish athlete who wins a medal has the courage to display a saltire around their shoulders, rather than the flag of the imperialist British state. 

Yours for Scotland, 

Dear patriots, 

At the recent fundraiser for the SOWW in Bannockburn, Charlie Allan of the Clanranald Trust was viciously attacked upon arrival at the venue, as his group, Saor Patrol prepared to play for the evening. He spent the rest of the evening being treated in hospital. 

The fundraiser itself was a great success, with Ted Christopher playing a double set, as Saor Patrol were unable to play following Charlie’s injury.

Thanks to Tom Chalmers for donating his hand crafted walking stick, depicting Oor Wullie, which was auctioned for £150.  Also thanks to Barry Donnan, whose gift of a Clanranald tartan plaid raised £198. 

There were many donations which were raffled, & thanks to all who helped. 

Big thank you to our new friend Gerald Thorpe, who presented the Society with a Wallace shield he had made, a great piece of work. This will grace future commemorations. 

As time is marching on, can I ask anyone who is definitely coming to Bannockburn in 2014, & requires a room at the King Robert Hotel, to confirm by contacting myself or the website, if they have not already done so.  We do not require any deposit at this time, but we need to get an idea of numbers. 

George has been contacted by our American friends who are asking if any members would like to spend a week in the USA & attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in September.  Again, if any member fancies this, please contact us.

Big thank you to our new friend Gerald Thorpe, who presented the Society with a Wallace shield he had made, a great piece of work. This will grace future commemorations. 

As time is marching on, can I ask anyone who is definitely coming to Bannockburn in 2014, & requires a room at the King Robert Hotel, to confirm by contacting myself or the website, if they have not already done so.  We do not require any deposit at this time, but we need to get an idea of numbers. 

George has been contacted by our American friends who are asking if any members would like to spend a week in the USA & attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in September.  Again, if any member fancies this, please contact us.

This is from Christine McLeod regarding our proposed Society tartan. 

Tartan News
I met Ken MacDonald of Houston Menswear in Paisley on the 13th of April. Things are going well.  I’ve chosen the shades for the tartan and very happy with them…weathered, muted shades that still glow.   

I suggest that Duncan and /or Gary/George meet with Ken on Friday 20th to take a look at yarn. This means that you can decide what weight and finish you want by yourself, whether it’s light, heavy, fine or tweed. 

Ken will advise on the rest. 

I suggested 1st July being completion date.

Going to see it being woven and/or collecting it from Bute as a wee event is possible.

Tartan Update
George went into see Ken and after consulting with committee and members it was decided we'd go for a tweed finish 13 ounce fabric, Christine will confirm colour samples instore.

Yours for Scotland, 

Dear patriots, 

I’d like to wish all our members a Happy & Prosperous New Year. 

The Annual Wallace Xmas dinner, held in the Wallace Tavern, enjoyed its biggest ever attendance, with staff having to find more & more space for folk as they continued to come in. 

Many thanks to the staff for doing a fantastic job, & supplying the raffle tickets, which I forgot to bring! 

Ted Christopher & Fiery Jack entertained us all evening & were superb.  Thanks guys.  Thanks also to all those who donated great raffle prizes. 

As we enter a new year, our centenary year, the Society continues to grow, & it seems our reputation continues to grow with it.  With our membership numbering just under 400 strong, our Facebook Page just topped the 4000 mark last week. 

As usual, on the 2nd January, we gathered at the Robroyston Monument to pay tribute to our late friend, Davie Ross.  Irene laid some flowers, & with a wee dram, we saluted his memory, then members took turns to say a few words about their personal recollections of Davie.

A poignant occasion, but not without the humour that Davie was noted for. 

So, onward & upward.  A new year beckons, fresh challenges await us, & if the past year is anything to go by, I’m sure we shall be equal to the tasks ahead.

Yours for Scotland, 

Dear patriots, 

Once again, the year has seemed to fly by at breakneck speed. No sooner had we finished preparations for one commemoration, another one was upon us. 

Hard work for all involved, but bringing satisfaction with it. 

I have been contacted by a representative of a company who are making a series of radio programmes for BBC Radio. 

He asked if he could interview some members & record one of our commemorations.

I told him that out commemorations are over for this year, but have given him a list of events & dates for next year. We will keep in touch. 

Our next meeting will be our AGM, on 18th Nov, & I’d like to thank all of our office bearers for their unstinting work over the past year.  Not only the office bearers, but the many who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the Society. 

In the past few years, the reputation of the Society has grown considerably. Where, in the past, organisations would go ahead with projects without consulting us in an advisory capacity, & later we would have to point out errors. This was also true of press articles. Now we are being approached before an article is written, or as in the case of the information boards at Robroyston, Dennis from the council has let us look over the proposed wording of the text to check it, and make any suggestions for change. 

We have instigated a new annual commemoration at Loudoun Hill, with our friends, the Strathleven Artizans. We are also involved in a few proposed building projects.

The success of the campaign to secure the return of the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter is another worthy achievement for the Society, & big thanks to Gary for sticking with this. 

Our heightened profile is down to the excellent input from everyone at the Society. As I said at Davie Ross’s funeral, “What doesn’t break us makes us stronger”.  And that has proved to be indeed the case. I’m sure Big Davie would be pleased at the direction the Society is taking. 

I foresee exciting times ahead. I hope to see you at our AGM on Tuesday 15th November.

Yours for Scotland, 

Dear patriots. 

On the afternoon of 1st October, friends of the late Davie Ross got together beneath the commemorative tree in Stirling to install a memorial plaque to our dear friend.
Crafted by Strathleven Artizan, Arthur Murdoch, Gordon Aitken had set it in place.

Placed alongside it were stones selected from Elderslie, Lanark, Loudoun Hill, Robroyston & the Abbey Craig.

Thus was represented the main places which had a Wallace connection, & which ourselves & Davie had visited often, following in the footsteps of Wallace.

Gordon spoke about how Davie had inspired him, right from the very beginning, then asked each of us in turn to say a few words about how we came to know him.
Floral tributes were then laid at the base of the tree.
It was a very emotional experience for us all.

Rounded off by a few musical numbers from the guys, it was a fitting tribute to the Big Warmer.

Some of us then went to Cambuskenneth Abbey, where we laid a white rose & a small saltire on the flat stones supposedly marking the burial place of Wallace’s arm.
I have been doing this for the last 12 years.

The very dreich day & constant rain couldn’t dampen our spirits.
Thanks to Kate & Mike, Bill & Val, George, Arthur, Frank, Ted, Malcolm, Stout Duncan, & of course, Gordon for organising it. 

Many thanks to all members who have paid their annual subscription.  If you haven’t done so, please download & print the form HERE  or use the Paypal link. 

A big well done to Andy Middleton for receiving this year’s David R. Ross Memorial Quaich for all his upgrade work at the Wallace Memorial Cross in Robroyston. 

Gary Stewart sent the following e-mail of thanks to those involved in securing the return of the Wallace Letter. 

I won’t include the full e-mail addresses to respect the recipients’ privacy. 

Alan Reid, Nick Brand, George Boyle, Konstantina Ritsou, Ian Harrison, Paula Murray, Mark Hirst, Christine Grahame, the First Minister, Fiona Hyslop, Dr. Fiona Watson, Catherine Dowe, Duncan Fenton. 

To everyone involved in this, thank you so much for all your help and effort. This has been a massive success for everyone who has done their bit.

A wee bit of history has been changed and sure the big Warmer will be chuffed to bits, just a shame he will not be here to see what he started, finished with this fantastic result for Scotland. 

Yours Aye

Gary Stewart

Vice convenor of the Society of William Wallace

I hope to see you at our AGM on Tuesday 15th November.

Alba Gu Brath 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Thanks to all who attended the recent commemorations at Falkirk & Robroyston. 

Can I remind members that the annual subscription fee is now due.  You can pay via Paypal on our website, or download & print out the membership form & post it to us, or pay on the day if you’re attending Wallace Day on 20th August.

Any members who have recently joined can ignore this request & pay the following August.

Thank you very much for continuing to support the Society, & by doing so, help us keep Wallace’s memory in the public eye.Thanks to all who attended the recent commemorations at Falkirk & Robroyston.

Can I remind members that the annual subscription fee is now due.  You can pay via Paypal on our website, or download & print out the membership form & post it to us, or pay on the day if you’re attending Wallace Day on 20th August.

Any members who have recently joined can ignore this request & pay the following August.

Thank you very much for continuing to support the Society, & by doing so, help us keep Wallace’s memory in the public eye. 

If anyone has anything they would like to donate for our raffle, bar or tearoom, it would be much appreciated.

Due to rising costs, the committee has reluctantly decided to raise the entry price for the evening’s entertainment to £15.  But for three of Scotland’s premier acts, Ted (better than Elvis) Christopher, Albannach & Scocha, I think this represents great value for money. I hope to see many of you there. 

Irene continues to liase with the owners of the King Robert the Bruce Hotel in Bannockburn, who have taken our block booking for the whole hotel for the 700th anniversary commemoration in 2014. 

Prices will be held at just under £100 per person for bed & breakfast.

As the Ryder Cup will also be held that year, accommodation will be scarce. 

We feel it is only right to give members of SOWW first chance of booking, so if anyone wants to book, please contact me & I will compile a list of names.  No money is required at this stage.  Maybe deposits will required in 18 months or so time, but we’ll keep everyone posted.  We just want to get an idea of numbers. 

It promises to be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Scottish people will once again get the chance to show our pride in our heroes, as we did at Wallace’s commemoration in London in 2005. 

Eternal thanks to Big Davie for giving me the opportunity to experience the most emotionally-charged day of my life.

Alba Gu Brath 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

It has been brought to my attention recently that someone has been posting comments of a racist nature on the Facebook pages of some of our members. The Society of William Wallace does not condone & will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

As stated in our constitution, we embrace any & all, regardless of colour creed, nationality or political persuasion. 

In my personal opinion, the Society has grown & matured (we are nearly 100 years old!) into an organisation that I am proud to be a part of. 

Any attempt to sully its good reputation will be fiercely resisted. 

On a brighter note, I recently attended Renton Gala Day, at which our friends, the Strathleven Artizans, played a large part in organising.

One of the best ways of teaching the young generation of our history & heritage is through face to face contact like this. 

Our own Society’s commemorations at Robroyston & Elderslie loom ever closer, with just about all arrangements in place. I would like to appeal for donations to our raffle, bottles, etc. 

We have a cracking line up this year for Wallace Day’s evening entertainment, with Ted (better than Elvis) Christopher, Albannach & Scocha. £15 payable at the door for 3 of Scotland’s best acts represents great value for money. Please come along & mix with old friends & make new ones. I look forward to seeing you.

Alba Gu Brath 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear fellow patriots, 

Time marches relentlessly on, as someone once said, & it seems to be flying by just now.

The Annual Commemoration of  Andrew de Moray’s Flag Raising on the Black Isle went well, with myself & Irene & our partners attending.

Once again I handed over the new saltire on behalf of the Society.We enjoyed a ceilidh that evening with old friends. 

George, Gary & Andy once again attended the Robroyston School Fun Day, displaying weaponry & armour. 

Reports & photos of both these events can be found on our website. 

The Society is becoming more & more involved in other events, not strictly Wallace-related, but worthwhile nevertheless.  We are also liasing well with other groups & organisations, forging new friendships which are proving fruitful. 

All in all, I think the Society is doing well, with quite a few projects ongoing & some earmarked for the near future. 

This is down to many hands helping out, & I thank you all for this. 

So, if the sun finally comes out this year, I hope it will shine with favour on the Society!

Alba Gu Brath 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

This is proving to be a very interesting year to be a Scot.

I spoke at the recent commemoration of the Declaration of Arbroath, & it was the biggest turn out I have seen for a long while. 

I also attended the first anniversary of the opening of the Robert the Bruce Heritage Centre in Renton, run by our friends, The Strathleven Artizans. They also enjoyed a good support. 

On the 7th May we held the first joint commemoration by the Society Of William Wallace & the Artizans at Loudoun Hill to remember the battles fought there by both Wallace & Bruce. Again, a good turn out saw a wreath laid on behalf of the fallen, to the accompaniment

of a lone piper & speeches by Councillor Bobby McDill, George Boyle, Duncan Thomson & Sarah Crome. Thanks to all who attended, especially from far flung parts, even Greece! Thanks Dina! It was great to see you again.

Special mention to Willie Ballantyne, who gave voice to the idea in the first place.

I think it went well for a first time event, hopefully to become a fixture in our calendar. 

Coming up we have the Andrew de Moray Flag Raising ceremony on the Black Isle & the Robroyston Fun Day, unfortunately on the same day, but duties will be shared by willing members. Thanks to all our volunteers. 

The elections have come & gone, with the only party who are interested in Scotland’s weal, proving that they are capable of running the country, and being endorsed by the public, reflected in their share of the vote. Interesting times ahead! 

On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who has rallied to help with the running of the Society. Years ago I had a wee inkling of how much the late Davie Ross did for the Society of William Wallace. Now I’m beginning to appreciate the extent of it.

Things are just so time-consuming, with making phone calls, contacting & meeting various people & organisations, replying to e-mails, queries & so on, on a daily basis.

I now know there is a lot to be done, but we seem to be doing very well, with new ideas being put forward all the time, & members offering to help out with various tasks. When I was elected Convenor at the AGM in November, I knew this was no easy job, but thanks to all of you, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you all. 

William Wallace inspired Davie Ross, Davie Ross inspired me, and so the good work of the Society will go on. 

Alba Gu Brath 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Before David R. Ross made his 450 mile Walk for Wallace, from Robroyston to London, he started an e-petition to campaign for the return of the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter, & to raise awareness that this important document lay in a drawer at Kew.

Now the National Archives have agreed to return the letter on a 2 year loan period, starting next year.  After this negotiations will be made to keep the letter in Scotland permanently.

The decision to repatriate this document to its homeland is a huge victory for all those who worked on this campaign over the years, none more so than Davie Ross, & Gary Stewart, Vice Convenor of the Society of William Wallace.

When Davie died last year, Gary pledged to keep the momentum going & keep this in the public eye.

There are very few tangible links with Wallace left to us, & this is one of the most important.  This is a letter he carried on his person & would have looked at from time to time.

On behalf of the Society, I would like to thank the many people who helped with this campaign.  All the patriots who set up the e-petition & the Facebook page, the politicians & their secretaries, the esteemed academics, & all those who wrote to their MSP’s or the press & everyone who signed the petition.

Now, thanks to the efforts of all involved, many Scots will be able to look upon this document just as Wallace did.

You have all shown we have the power to change things.

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Several of our members attended the official launch of our great friend David R. Ross’s last book, Women In Scotland, at the Abbot's House in Dunfermline.

Dr. Fiona Watson gave a talk on the background of the book & her travels with Davie to historic sites.

Davie’s daughter Kimberley was on hand to sign copies of the book.

George, Gary & myself were asked to say a few words to the audience about our relationship with Davie, including some anecdotes of our escapades together. 

This is the gist of what I said. “This is a bitter-sweet day for Davie Ross’s family & friends.

We are so pleased to see his latest book on the shelves, but so saddened knowing it will be his last. I know this subject was close to Davie’s heart. 

Davie Ross wrote in a style that ordinary folk could identify with. We often talked about the fact that people would pick up an academic history book, but when the going got too heavy, they would put it down again. 

Davie’s books are the perfect introduction for anyone showing an interest in Scottish history. His style of writing brought the subject to life, and brought it to a whole new audience. Once they got a taste of it, readers were eager to learn more, and so then persevered with the heavy, academic stuff. 

Davie Ross did more than any other modern historian to bring Scotland’s history to Scotland’s people, and through the legacy of his books, will continue to inspire many generations to come.” 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, I’d like to thank our members for electing me as Convenor of the Society at the AGM.

I hope to repay your faith in me to continue to take the Society forward & steer a straight course as our friend, the late Davie Ross, did so well. 

It has been almost a year since he was taken from us, but sometimes it seems as if it were only yesterday. 

I’m very pleased that Gary Stewart was elected Vice Convenor, a well-deserved appointment, since Gary has worked his tartan hose off this year for the Society. The addition of Committee Members, Gordon Aitken, William Ballantyne & Andy Middleton reflect the sterling work they have also put in this year.

Welcome aboard, guys.  I’m sure your input over the coming year will be invaluable. 

Quite a few Society members attended the recent St. Andrews Day Rally in Edinburgh.  On a bitterly cold evening that prevented some patriots from getting to the venue because they were snowbound, we marched proudly down the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament building.  Outside, Ted Christopher & myself said a few words to the assembled crowd.

From there we made our way to Leith & the evening’s entertainment, supplied by Albannach, Ted Christopher & Fiery Jack.  All were superb. 

With Kimberley Ross present, we also launched Davie Ross’s last book, “Scotland’s Women”.  I introduced Gavin MacDougall, his publisher, who said a few words on the background of the book.

Andy Middleton then handed over a cheque to Kimberley for £1800 for the Bannockburn 2014 Fund.  This was over £1300 raised at the David R. Ross Tribute Night in March, & the Society of William Wallace made up the difference as a contribution. 

This year has been a very difficult one, which had the worst of all possible starts, but commendably, everyone has rallied round, & we have managed to achieve quite a lot. 

From the tributes to Davie Ross, at Robroyston & Stirling, the progress made on the campaign for return of the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter,  & progress made on getting monuments raised at Stirling & Glasgow, we have not done too badly. 

I would personally like to thank everyone who did their bit & helped the Society through a tough period.  Even all the little things that people don’t think are as important.  The old adage, “Mony a mickle maks a muckle”, is so true in this case. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Wallace Dinner on 17th Dec. 

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, Once again, the commemoration of the Battle of Stirling Bridge was a resounding success. This event just goes from strength to strength, thanks to our very own wandering minstrel, Ted Christopher.

Ted did a great job organising the march, policing & securing the services of Gaberlunzie, Scocha & his own Bannockburn Band for the evening entertainment.

The march was a stirring sight as it left the esplanade at Stirling Castle, with the many saltires & banners flying high.

The David R. Ross memorial banner provided much interest from spectators, this being only its second outing since Wallace Day. 

At the memorial tree, Ted welcomed everyone with a great speech, followed by a few words from myself. I then invited Gordon Aitken to comment on the great work he had done upgrading the area surrounding the tree. He in turn paid tribute to the Strathleven Artisans, who provided the recumbent statue of Wallace, & the tribute plaque to Davie Ross, which Davie’s daughter, Kimberley, unveiled.

George Boyle gave the final speech of the day, after which we returned to the evening venue, to a terrific night’s entertainment. Scocha were a revelation, playing traditional stuff mixed with their own compositions. They had the place jumping. 

I must mention that Big George & myself are starting to have the same ideas simultaneously of late (I don’t know whether to be worried or not!)

We thought it would be great to ask them to play at next year’s Wallace Day, so I approached the guys as they came off stage & asked them.

They seemed agreeable & gave me their contact details. 

A big thank you to all who have paid their annual subscription & the generous donations. 

If you haven’t done so, please download the membership form from our website or use the Paypal option.

It is you who help to keep Wallace’s memory alive.

Also, thanks to all our new members for joining the Society.

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton Vice Convenor, Society of William Wallace

Dear Patriots, Our Commemorative Events seem to have come & gone so quickly.

Falkirk was very well attended this year  & Wallace Day was a huge success too. Thanks to all who gave their time, money & donations to both. 

With everyone in the Society helping out, we are becoming a more efficient organisation.

Thanks to all who have paid their annual subs, your support is much appreciated.

A big thank you to Gordon Aitken, who transformed the area surrounding the tree at Stirling Bridge, & allowed me to put one of the stones in place.

Thanks also to the Strathleven Artisans, who created & donated the Wallace plaque, & the tribute plaque to Davie Ross.

Kimberley, Davie’s daughter, unveiled the plaque during the ceremony.

At Wallace Day, I was approached by Emilio Souto, from the group, Skiltron. He gave me their latest CD & asked me to listen, then send him my opinion of it. Their music is a blend of heavy rock with bagpipes. All of their songs & lyrics have a Scottish flavour. I was very impressed by their professionalism. You can find them  here.

Our friends at Authentic Grass have asked to help sell their merchandise through the Society. They create a Perspex plaque, containing a patch of grass from the site, accompanied by photos & text explaining the historical connection. Their website is still under construction, but you can find it here.

We will include photos of what’s available on our website soon.

It has been a hectic time since the beginning of the year, but has been very rewarding, too. Much has been achieved, but much has still to be done.

Work still goes on for the return of the Letter of Safe Conduct from London, & planning for the proposed memorial to the Battle of the Bell O’ the Brae in Glasgow.

Yours for Scotland,

Greetings, fellow patriots. The commemorations at Bannockburn & Falkirk were very well attended this year.

I sent a letter of thanks to Scott MacMaster, at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, for inviting the Society, along with various other groups, to set up marquees to showcase our merchandise & answer questions from the public on things historical.

Gordon Aitken & Grant Williamson again did a great job organising the Falkirk event.

Robroyston was a great success this year, with the largest turnout I have ever seen for this event. The commemoration was dedicated to the memory of Davie Ross, & after Andy Middleton laid the wreath for Wallace, he unveiled the memorial plaque to Davie that he had made. Davie’s daughter, Kimberley, laid a floral tribute on the plaque.

Thanks are due to Jon Gallagher, who distributed hundreds of leaflets locally, advertising it, & a trail of Saltires, put up by AMD, left at strategic points to guide the public to the monument. Thanks also to Alex Scullion, who played the pipes prior to the commemoration, which set the mood.

We heard a great speech by Sandra White MSP who got the crowd going, & a fantastic speech by William Ballantyne, which was his first for the Society, was outstanding. It certainly won’t be his last!

Thanks to Malcolm MacNeill, who donated the contents of his collecting tin, which sits on his bar in Dunoon.  It raised a healthy £54.

With everyone now pitching in to help, we are headed in the right direction.

Roll on Wallace Day!

This year will be a real mixture of emotions, the first without our dear friend, Davie. But there are plans to make this day a wee bit special as a tribute to him.

We have been contacted by Authentic Grass, who specialise in creating a gift which is a sample of grass cutting from sporting venues & historical sites, which is encapsulated in a perspex frame, accompanied by a photo of the site.

They have approached us to sell their products through our website. Available at the moment are, Robroyston, Stirling Bridge & Elderslie. More details & pics will be posted up on the website soon. Thanks to the owners, James Masterton & Stephen MacDougal, for gifting the Society a print of Wallace, this is 8’ long by 4’ wide, on canvas. I intend to use it as a backdrop on stage at Wallace Day.

Looking forward to seeing old friends & making new ones at Elderslie

Yours for Scotland,

Historically, Scots have a reputation for fighting amongst themselves. But the time is coming near when we will have to pull together.
It is time that all our historical societies put aside their petty differences to concentrate on Scotland’s future. After all, that is what we purport to have as our primary objective.
I have witnessed first-hand, dissentions & arguments between members of groups over the pros & cons of one thing or another. Whether it be Jacobitism or Covenanters, whether the Stewart monarchy were nationalistic or self-serving, & so on.

I have heard folk who should know better expound much energy on these arguments without seeing the opposing point of view. This blinkered attitude helps no-one. It only serves the Anglocentric media & gives them ammunition to have a go at “Those Scots squabbling amongst themselves again.”

Instead of this divisive attitude, we should be focussing on the objective we all hold close to our heart – freedom for Scotland as a sovereign nation.

To my mind, all of our history is important. It shouldn’t matter if we find some things distasteful or in opposition to our beliefs. It is all worth recording for our children. We have to show them the rich tapestry of the events that shaped Scotland, & that means all the threads have woven in. We cannot exclude selected parts of our history just because we don’t agree with them. Hopefully, this will promote a better understanding of our nation’s past, & guide us towards a better future. In the words of the late, great Nigel Tranter “You have to know where you have come from – in order to know where you are going.”

I have spent decades stravaiging our beautiful countryside taking thousands of photos of the tangible links of our history & heritage. Whether it be chapels or churches, Iron Age forts or Pictish symbol stones, religious wells or Covenanters’ graves, they are all part of our past, they are all part of who we are & how we have evolved, & as such, deserve to be documented.

We have not inherited this beautiful country of ours from our forefathers – we have only borrowed it from our children. 

We owe it to them, & we owe it to the generations of Scots who fought & died for Scotland, to preserve our built heritage, our battlefields, every site at which Scots made a stand against tyranny & shed their blood. That is what makes us proud of who we are. We must pass that pride on to the next generation, or all the sacrifices that have gone before, will have been in vain.

Yours for Scotland,

Dear patriots,

On Saturday, 13th March, a group of members went to the Wallace Memorial Cross at Robroyston to install a new plaque as a tribute to our late Convenor, David R. Ross.

This was supplied by member Andy Middleton at his own expense, and a fine piece of work it is too.

The existing slabs were moved to accommodate the memorial, and broken slabs were replaced.  Special thanks to Jimmy Watson from Huntershill, who had arrived in the morning and rebuilt the collapsed wall surrounding the monument.  He had also spread more stone chips behind the monument and cut back all the weeds and generally tidied up the whole area.  When we left, the site looked better than it has for years. Well done to all involved.

Glasgow City Council, Historic Scotland and all the property developers who have cashed in on the Wallace connection to sell their houses, have done practically nothing to keep the monument and surrounding area in good order, far less promote it.

It seems that it is still the same today as it was in Wallace’s time, when the ordinary people put their shoulder to the wheel, while the landowners looked on.

As long as we have willing hands, the work will go on.  I wonder if the council or Historic Scotland will have the bare-faced cheek to complain about the work which we have done.  If so, they will have me to deal with.

Andy gave a speech to dedicate Davie’s plaque, and cracked open a bottle of malt, which he poured into a silver quaich.  We all drank a toast to the Big Man, and poured some over the plaque.  It was quite an emotional moment.

The tribute night for Davie Ross held in Edinburgh on Sunday 14th March was a huge success.  Present were Shona, and Davie’s daughter, Kimberley.

Christine Graham MSP announced the launch of the new petition calling for the return of the Wallace Safe Conduct letter.

Terrific entertainment by our own Ted Christopher & Albannach giving performances for free, with both of them going down a storm.  Also, member Gordon Aitken gave us a few of his own compositions, and member Martin Mitchell regaled our American visitors, who were on a tour with Celtic Force, with an action-packed rendition of Tam o’ Shanter.  Ziggy did a roaring trade with the merchandise.

After an excellent buffet, we had a raffle, and then auctioned some items donated by members.  After a few heartfelt words from Duncan, followed by Gary Stewart and Donovan Murray from Celtic Force, Albannach took the stage and had the audience stomping and jumping about, especially Thomas!

A great big thank you to all who helped make this night a great success.

Respectfully yours, 

Dear Members, 

As you know, our late Convenor, David R. Ross, used to pen a newsletter, which was attached & sent out with the monthly minutes of each meeting of the Society.

Let me say that no-one will be able to do all the tasks that David did.  I just thought I should write this newsletter as a tribute to David as a one-off. 

No one person could possibly do all the things that David seemed to juggle effortlessly.  What we can do, is share the workload that he carried on his broad shoulders. 

He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.  We have so many cherished memories.  So many moving encounters; so many daft, madcap episodes in our lifetime together.  It is still difficult to accept that he won’t be here any more, but he would have been the first to urge us to “just to get on with it.”

We will miss a dear friend, but Scotland will miss one of her greatest champions.  His stance resembled that of Willam Wallace, in the fact that, in matters pertaining to the wellbeing of Scotland, he was unbending.  There was no grey area, it was either black or white.  You were either for Scotland or not. 

When his many friends met at the crematorium, well over an hour before the appointed time, we hugged & exchanged tales & anecdotes of the Big Man.  And there were plenty of them.  It was an important part of the grieving process.  Everyone had the same thoughts of Davie.  He did so much for so many people, & was always there with a helping hand & a ready smile. 

Our friend, Ted Christopher, did a magnificent job at the funeral. Although emotionally very difficult, Ted managed to find just the right words to convey  what we were all thinking.  When he sang three of the most important songs in Davie’s life, he managed to do so admirably. A testament to his sheer professionalism.

When he sang “Scot’s Whe Hae”, I swear I could hear the Big Man’s voice shouting, “Gi’e it laldy, Ted”, as I’d heard him often do before.

As mourners began to file out of the crematorium, the strains of the Bay City Rollers, “Shang-A-Lang” were heard softly through the PA system.

I could feel him smiling over my shoulder, that big broad grin that we had come to know & love. 

We have been through a lot together.  And facing a new year without Davie Ross will be an enormous struggle for everyone.  Davie spoke not only for our Society, but for many other societies & organisations, at many events throughout the year.  Everyone will just have to move up a gear.

Whatever doesn’t break us makes us stronger, & we will move forward, hand in hand, to take whatever life decides to throw at us.  As Davie often said, “We Scots are a resilient lot!” 

David had planned to tour with Albannach and over forty American Albannach fans in March this year to show them the sites and explore our wonderful country's history with them, alas it was not to be but everyone on the tour agreed that it should go ahead and be dedicated in David's honour.

Our American friends would very much like to meet up with like minded people, especially those who knew David and have arranged an evenings entertainment with the wonderful Ted Christopher and Albannach at the Three Sisters in Edinburgh's Cowgate. Apologies for it being on a Sunday but it was all arranged at very short notice. This night will be in memory of David and donations will be gratefully accepted with all monies going to Bannockburn 2014 and the Wallace Coffin fund.

The evenings entertainment will be free as the bands have waived their fee so hopefully we can raise a serious amount of cash for this most worthiest of causes!

Respectfully yours, 

Dear Patriots,

I recently took part in a launch for a new book on Wallace entitled “Le Cri de la Liberte”. As you can see from the title, this is a book in French about the story of our great Scottish patriot. The lady author is one Beatrice Balti, who had come over from Toulouse to do a double event, firstly in Edinburgh, then in Glasgow.

It was a delight to be able to participate, and I have no doubt that Beatrice feels a real passion for her subject. She must have been bitten by the Scottish bug, as she told me her next book will be about R. L. Stevenson.

The evening was a much a learning process for me, as there was much information passed during the course of the evening, and I learned much regarding Joan of Arc for instance, that was previously unknown to me. Joan of course, had her Scottish Guard, and was familiar with the marching tune “Hey Tuttie Tattie”, an ancient Scots’ air from the time of Wallace that Robert Burns later wrote words for, and we know it today as “Scots Wha Hae”.

And of course, Joan and William have much in common with their fight for liberty from English domination, and in the manner of their hideous deaths. A little known fact is that a Scottish army crossed to France to take part in the campaign led by Joan, and heavily defeated the English at the Battle of Bauge.

I would love to be able to comment further on Beatrice’s book, but I have to confess my French is not up to scratch, my grasp being no more than what I learned at school! Strangely, I also own a work in French on Robert the Bruce, which of course has details of Wallace’s campaigns too. This work is entitled “De Normandie au de trone de Ecosse” by Claude Pithois. This book was a gift from some of the French members of the Society. I wish this book were available in English, as I have never seen a work of such depth. There are many photos of objects that were previously unknown to me, along with photographs of charters, and the most extra-ordinarily detailed family tree of the forebears and descendents of Bruce as an end piece.

Dear Patriots,

 I had a meeting with Councillor MacKay at the City

Chambers in Glasgow to discuss the possibility of erecting a plaque or a monument of some sort near Cathedral Square, to commemorate Wallace’s fight in Glasgow known as the “Bell o’ the Brae”.

The only place this fight is mentioned is in Blind Harry’s work on Wallace, and it is not collaborated in any other source. That does not mean that it did not happen of course, but it means that any wording would have to be carefully thought over, to avoid controversy, as I can imagine Unionists having a field day attacking such a scheme.

The safest way to do it is to use phrases like “Tradition states that near this spot….” So that no one is making hard and fast claims to anything.

It would be nice to have even a small plaque to Wallace in Glasgow, as there is a dearth of monuments to anything regarding Scotland’s history in most of our major cities.

Think of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. There are no statues of any of the Stewart kings, even though they were the longest running dynasty in European history. How many have statues of Robert the Bruce for instance? Aberdeen has its fine Wallace statue, but that is about it, and we have Wallace and Bruce flanking the doorway to Edinburgh Castle, but there is nothing to depict our history in our city squares. Glasgow’s George Square is full of statues of “Britons”- Walter Scott included. No MacBeth, Kenneth MacAlpin, Alexander I, II or III, or Mary, Queen of Scots. There is a statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie that I know of, a very good one, with him mounted on horseback looking every bit the prince-but it’s in the centre of Derby!

Rant over. But it would be nice to have a little something to Wallace in Glasgow. We could always link something together with Robroyston to have a Glasgow related day.

And just in case you were wondering where the Bell o’ the Brae was sited, its that rise in the High Street heading towards the cathedral just after you have crossed George Street. But Cathedral Square would probably be the most appropriate site due to the fact that it’s a touristy area, for any sort of memorial.

Worth pursuing at any rate. And thanks to my mate John Toner for suggesting the idea in the first place!

I remain, yours for Scotland,

David R. Ross, convenor.

Dear Patriots,

I was watching a re-run of “Coast” on the TV, and took a little more than a passing interest because it was following the shore of Lewis and then round to Orkney. The girl presenter made a comment that made me think. She said, “When I’m standing on the shore of my country…”

As she is English, it made me realise that I would never think or say, if I was standing on the shore of Devon or on the Scilly Isles for example, that I was “on the shore of my country”. Different mind set perhaps, but I think very few Scots would stand on a beach in England and think of themselves as being in “their” country.

Other than that, I’ve been lucky enough to be out and about a bit in the last few weeks, taking in the history that surrounds me. Some of the Crann Tara (a Scottish cultural organisation) boys and girls had been over in Ireland to visit battlefields, especially ones with a Scottish connection, and just learn a little bit more.

Ted Christopher was flying over to Cork to “do” the entertainment for a couple of nights, and asked me if I wanted to go with him. As the flights worked out at less than a fiver (including tax!!!) I jumped at the chance. We saw some fantastic stuff, visiting the field of the battle of Knockanoss, where the Scots and Irish had fought with the English, and where Alisdair McColla the famous warrior from Colonsay, who had fought alongside the Great Montrose many times, had been slain.

We visited his tomb, and some of the locals had actually seen the body in its state of internment, and described it to me, telling me Alasdair, as tradition relates, was over seven feet tall.

But what really struck me again about Ireland, was the standard of living. No graffiti, no litter, and the standard of cars and houses looked several rungs up the ladder to what we are used to in Scotland.
This is because Ireland is an independent celtic nation of course, in charge of its own destiny. And on top of this, Ireland does not have the natural resources that we have-gas, oil etc. so it makes me think of what Scotland would be like if full nationhood were to become a reality. It worries me that people can have doubts about this, all they need to do is look at the situation in Ireland, and perhaps the reality would dawn at how much we are being held back, and that England is this huge albatross of subsidy junkies we have hanging round our neck, stripping and gobbling up our money and resources.

I had a wee jaunt down to Cumbria too, and am happy to report that re-construction work is underway on Holm Cultram, the little abbey where Robert the Bruce’s father is buried, and where the brain and entrails of Longshanks were interred. The church was burnt in a malicious fire a year or two back.

I also took a run over to Burgh-by-Sands where Longshanks breathed his last, and took a little look in St. Michael’s Church there, where Longshanks was laid out before his journey south to his tomb in Westminster Abbey.

Duncan will be chairing the next meeting, as I have duties to perform to promote my new book “James the Good, the Black Douglas.” He is one of our greatest heroes, and I hope that I have brought his story to a new generation. He was raised with his father William fighting alongside Wallace, and he took up the torch that Wallace carried and became the man of England’s nightmares, eventually seeing England recognise Scotland’s independence.

I remain, yours for Scotland,
David R. Ross, Convenor.