William Wallace Day 2010

WILLIAM WALLACE DAY 2010

The weather was kind to us all once more for Wallace Day 2010 as patriots gathered in Ludovic Square for our yearly commemoration. This years event was especially poignant as it was our first in a great many years without our dear friend David R Ross who sadly passed away earlier in the year.

To commemorate David, the Society commisioned a new banner and thanks to donations from David's friends both here and overseas we were able to unveil it at Wallace Day 2010 and ensure that David will continue to march with us for a great many years yet.

We were very surprised to find no police presence waiting for us as arranged but a few local officers stepped in and made sure the march went off without a hitch, the Society would like to thank those officers for a job well done.

We had a new pipe band in place this year called the Tulliallan Pipe Band and they were superb, you wouldn't know that they were a new band by their fantastic playing. It's always braw marching through Johnstone to Elderslie behind a pipe band and loads of banners and flags on display and this was no exception.

A great turnout, easily the best attended event in fifteen years or so, so many people turned out to pay tribute to both William and David and it was an absolute delight to see everyone proudly marching in honour of these two most deserving patriots of Scotland.

On arrival at the monument David Ross’s daughter, Kimberley, laid the wreath at the monument, which read, “In memory of two of Scotland’s favourite sons William Wallace & David R Ross, gone but never forgotten.”

Speeches were made by among others Kilbarchan weaver and Society member Christine Macleod and historian and TV presenter Dr Fiona Watson, whilst songs were sung by Gordon Aitken and Ted Christopher. All were very well received by a very appreciative audience.

A few hours later we had our annual evening Ceilidh with Ted Christopher and Albannach to entertain us, we also had a wedding party who wanted to share their special day with us all and the Society would like to wish Leo and Donald all the very best for the future.

The evening event is always busy but this year it was hard to squeeze one more person onto the dance floor and going to the toilet was a major event.

The Society would like to thank everyone who came along for making it one of the most memorable and well attended Wallace Day for years.

To everyone who marched, donated, spoke, sang, danced or bought a t-shirt we thank you and hope to see you all again next year.