STIRLING BRIG COMMEMORATION 2019 |
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A word from our sponsors!: Here, 722 years ago today, William Wallace and Andrew de Moray led a Scottish army to an unlikely victory to ensure Scotland remained a proud nation. Massive thanks to Tulliallan Pipes and Drums for leading the march and to Police Scotland who, as always, were tremendous. Ted Christopher This year's memorable Battle of Stirling Brig Commemoration took place on Sunday 8th September, and was once again superbly organised by Ted Christopher. The first part of the event was the one mile, flat march from the foot of Abbey Craig, along Causewayhead Road to Stirling Brig, mirroring the route of the Scots' charge under the astute, courageous and inspirational leadership of William Wallace and Andrew de Moray 3 days shy of 722 years earlier. Once again the march was led by the stirring Tulliallan Pipes and Drums, as a tide of saltires (and SOWW's Cha Halliday kitted out as Andrew de Moray) made its way to the flagpole at Sirling Brig, where additional groups of people welcomed our arrival. Ted opened and MC'd the main event with his usual aplomb and perspective of the battle, its location, and the importance and ongoing issues being encountered with the planned Guardians Trust erection of a sculpture to Wallace and de Moray at this very spot. The Guardians Trust has planning permission lodged with Stirling Council for a display of lights to illuminate the bridge, and Ted is hopeful that this will eventually be approved and installed within a few months. No Stirling Brig Commemoration would be complete without Ted inspiring us with his songs, and he once again duly delivered. John Robertson was the first guest speaker, representing the Andrew de Moray Project. He explained the background to the De Moray's North Rising, and the six weeks from its declaration to 11th September 1297 and the joint victory of Wallace and de Moray. Margaret Halliday and Ron Buchan, representing the Society of William Wallace and Andrew de Moray Project respectively, laid floral tributes, as did Ross Whitelaw., which was followed by a minute's silence, and a lament from a lone piper as SOWW's Nikolas Alexandros lowered the flag that had proudly flown over the battleground for the previous 12 months. He later had the honour of raising the new flag. During the event, two vast saltires flew from Stirling Brig, courtesy of the Man from Stornoway, providing an impressive backdrop to the event, and a lot of very positive comment from passing tourists, not to mention all the horn salutes from passing traffic on the main bridge. The final guest speaker, representing the Society of William Wallace, was Neil Lochiel who talked about what Stirling Brig meant to him and its crucial importance to Scotland - past, present and future. Ted closed the main event with a rousing "Scots Wha' Hae". The third part of the event was the hoolie that followed at Stirling Rugby Club, where a packed audience had a fantastic evening being entertained by Ted and the Bannockurn Band, Kevin Gore and Eddie Seydak, all in superb form! If you were there - what a day we had! If you weren't there - don't miss it next year! Neil |
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Ted checks out the assembly |
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Tulliallan Pipes and Drums lead off |
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The Society banner on the march |
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On the march |
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On the march |
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One of the giant saltires goes walkabout |
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Tulliallan Pipe Band enter the field |
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The Society banner enters the field |
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Ted Christopher opens proceedings |
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Ted serenades the crowd |
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John Robertson's speech |
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Some of the assembled crowd |
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The Society tribute is laid |
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The North Rising tribute is laid |
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Ross lays his personal tribute |
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Neil's speech |
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Usually behind the lens - Michael Balahura! |
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Cha as Sir Andrew de Moray |
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The Hoolie kicks off |
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Tina sings |
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Some of the audience |
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Eddie Seydak sings |
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There's always one rowdy table... |
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Kevin Gore performs |
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Neil and Cha enjoy a well-earned drink |
Photos courtesy of Donna Mackay, Diane Doig, Cha Halliday, Jane Cooper Stewart, John Harvey, Tina Junnemann, Lorna Taylor, Leslie Thomson, and of course, Michael Balahura! |
| © Society of William Wallace 2007-2024 | The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959 |