It was a beautiful clear evening as we assembled at Stirling Castle to march down to the battle site. Well attended as ever, it was a glorious sight to see so many Saltires flying as we crossed Stirling Bridge to gather around the newly erected flagpole. Ted Christopher, who organises this event, welcomed all those in attendance and told us of the progress being made on the next phase of the site commemoration - a statue built on the north bank of the river Forth of William Wallace and Andrew de Moray, as well as an education programme for local children on the history of the two great men.
Steven Patterson MP, who is the councillor for Stirling East, was our first speaker of the night. Steven worked at the Wallace Monument in a previous life and said that tourists frequently asked him to point out the scene of the battle of Stirling Brig as in those days there was nothing at all to mark the battle site. Now though, there is the flagpole with Saltire permanently flying and the three granite cairns with information on the battle of Stirling Brig and the two heroes, William Wallace and Andrew de Moray. Steven congratulated Ted Christopher and the Guardians of Scotland trust for everything they have achieved so far and thanked them for their continuing hard work.

This has always been one of my favourite commemorations. What with the beautiful Scottish scenery, the historic castle at the top of the hill, the ancient stone brig, the sound of the river flowing alongside us and the Wallace monument itself dominating the skyline, it has always had an atmosphere all of its own. But it was really something special to see the Saltire being raised as the twilight shadows darkened and Ted sang 'I'm Coming Home'. I wonder what Wallace and De Moray would have thought, knowing that centuries later so many would gather to pay tribute.

Gordon Aitken from the SOWW then described the scene as it would have been 718 years before, saying that all around where we stood, there would have been a massive party going on as the Scots, having just 'malkied' the biggest army ever assembled in Scotland at that point, celebrated their historic victory. But amongst the jubilation he could picture William Wallace kneeling beside his friend Andrew de Moray and praying for his recovery. Gordon spoke of the lives and history of these two young men who had commanded an army - an army of ordinary men, just like those assembled here, that had fought so bravely in defence of their country. Gordon also thanked Ted Christopher for his tireless efforts over the years, saying that in 2003 there were only 6 members of the SOWW who came to commemorate Stirling Brig and now, thanks to Ted, the crowd gets bigger every year. Gordon then sang the Corries 'Stirling Brig'.

John Robertson of the Andrew de Moray project spoke of the role Andrew de Moray played at Stirling Brig saying that Andrew de Moray was an absolute hero and one who defines Scotland for him. Moray lost his place in popular history as well as his life at the battle of Stirling Brig, and the aim of the Andrew de Moray project is to rectify this and give this fantastic warrior the recognition he deserves.

Bard Paraig MacNeil then read the excerpt in mid-Scots from the poem 'The Battle of Stirling Bridge' that is inscribed on the cairns. I've had the pleasure of hearing Paraig recite before and he truly is a 'teller of tales'. Ted then brought the commemoration to a close, singing 'Scots Wha Hae' accompanied by young Robbie Devine. Thanks to all those who came along to make this such a special and patriotic night.

Lesley Matthews