William Wallace Day 2007

WILLIAM WALLACE DAY 2007

The week long events to commemorate our National Hero came to a close at Elderslie yesterday. Crann Tara members joined other groups and members of the public in the Johnstone town square before setting of on the march to the Wallace monument situated in Elderslie, his birthplace. Many well kent faces were present and the time before the march was spent catching up with those we have not seen for a while. The weather had cleared and it became quite hot in the sun. The march set off at 3pm sharp led by a local Pipe Band followed by the Society of William Wallace banner and a good crowd of 200 to 300 people with an array of saltires and group banners. As we marched down the route bars emptied to stand on the pavement to watch the procession pass by. On reaching the monument we were met by a fair crowd who had already congregated at the monument.

Our compere for the day was the big man David R Ross wearing to our surprise his usual attire of Ross tartan kilt and not a dress as was expected (only joking Davie J). A tribute to Sir William Wallace written by Helen Allan was read by David Ross before a speech by Duncan Fenton of the Wallace Society.

An old SNP stalwart William Wolfe was honoured by being gifted a Highland Dirk by the society, he then replied with a speech in thanks for the gift. Then the surprise of the day when Madam Ecosse herself, Winnie Ewing took the stage and gave a heart rending speech fitting to the occasion. It was an honour to be in the company of two great nationalists commemorating our greatest hero. Wreaths were laid which brought this part of the commemoration to a close.

The evening event took place in the Elderslie village hall. Ted (better than Elvis) Christopher took to the stage with his usual charismatic performance followed by Albannach, who thankfully, by early evening had been given the use of a Sat Nav to find the hall.

What can I say about the Albannach performance that has not already been said? The sound of the pipes and drums echoed out the hall and down towards the site of the Wallace house. As usual when Albannach play their tribal sound the hall was bouncing. The evening came to a close with the crowd taking to the floor as Ted sang Auld Lang Syne.


Getting ready for the off.	The band are getting wet

Young and old patriots gather for Wallace.	David and Duncan getting into a fankle

A bunch of highlanders.	The Wallace Society flag.

Paisley Tartan Army contingent.	The march was quite busy this year.

Up the big hill.	Great Saltire shot.

Nearly there.	C'mon lads, keep up.

The sun's came out.	Happy campers.

The Kilbarchan pipe band.	Attentive listeners.

Plenty of the crowd listen to the speeches.	Some familiar faces.

The sun is shining, hooray.	Duncan Fenton begins the proceedings.

A moment of contemplation.	The wreaths.

Young Patriots.	Duncan, David and Irene.

David welcomes everyone in the hall.	Ted gives us a song.

A busy hall and a party atmosphere	Albannach blast out some tunes.

Almost bedtime	Albannach with a stalker

The Society of William Wallace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration number SC045959