The Society at the Scottish Parliament

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. Many thanks to all who turned up at the Scottish Parliament for the return of the Wallace Safe Conduct Letter, around 150 people showed 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.

Albannach & Ted Christopher were on top form. Speakers were fantastic & the atmosphere was one of camaraderie & happiness. A fantastic day which will be remembered for ever. Thanks to Andy for the sporran & Tom for the walking stick. Great craftmanship from both. Thanks to Elma for her special words to myself & Gary.

The coming together of so many good friends & like-minded souls was terrific. This was a day to remember for all of us & a day to remember Davie Ross.

Four days later, the Society’s committee members were again invited to the civic reception, where we met the MSP’s, historians, academics & curators who helped with the safe return of Wallace's letter.

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

Just remembering… through an alcohol-induced fug compiled with the enormity of what the SOWW achieved. Here are my thoughts.

We experienced a sense of euphoria that day, & as Willie Ballantyne said, “Today was up there with London”. Without taking anything away from Davie Ross & what he achieved that day in 2005, I agree. We had everything in place – the tartan, the centenary, the letter coming home, the only thing that wasn’t in place was Big Davie, giving me that big bear hug to say, “We did it again.”

This one was for you, ya Big Warmer.

Yours for Scotland,

Duncan Fenton - Convenor, Society of William Wallace