VisitScotland hails the 150th anniversary of The National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument is celebrating its 150th anniversary today (WED 11 September) and VisitScotland is hailing the world’s long-lasting love affair with the Scottish hero.

Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 11 September 2019 9:26

William Wallace may have died over 700 years ago but his legacy lives on with visitors flocking to the monument, built in his honour, year after year.

Statistics reveal that since the landmark opened its doors in 1869 it has welcomed an estimated 9 million visitors from countries across the globe.

While this anniversary certainly stands out in the monument’s history, there is another event which had a profound effect – the release of Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart.

The hit movie, which depicted a fictious telling of the freedom fighter, had such an impact on Scotland’s tourism industry that it was voted the third greatest tourism moment over the last 50 years in a poll by VisitScotland to mark its 50th anniversary.

Prior to the premiere of the Mel Gibson epic, annual visitor numbers to the monument were in the region of 80,000 per year and by 1998 they reached a record figure of 184,265.

For the 10-year period following the release, the average annual number of visitors to the Monument was 135,000, and it has remained above the 100,000 level over subsequent years. In a survey conducted at the Monument in 2011, the film was identified by 38% of all visitors as the principal motivation for making their visit.

Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s archaeologist, said: “Wallace, the man and the myth, is a universal, classic story that speaks to all cultures.

We can see it in the basic plot of most Hollywood blockbusters: A common man, pushed to the point of breaking the law, rebelling for freedom against bigger bullies.

He fights and succeeds but ultimately loses, refusing to compromise even at the point of torture and death, which sparks a bigger rebellion that achieves what he strove for - Scotland’s freedom.

“The monument celebrates both this central truth but also the legends that have built up around Wallace. He was a giant with a giant sword, capable of superhuman acts, and it’s entirely fitting that Britain’s biggest monument to an individual is to Scotland’s biggest hero.”

The National Wallace Monument reports that it welcomes visitors from 94 countries each year and staff at the landmark say they often receive visitors from different parts of the world who are diehard Wallace fans – including a German visitor who sported a tattoo of Wallace’s face on the back of his leg.

There have also been celebrity visitors over the years including Ellie Goulding, Novak Djokovic and Sam Heughan.

Ken Thomson, Marketing Manager of Stirling District Tourism (the charity that operates The National Wallace Monument), said: “The story of William Wallace has fascinated and inspired people from around the world for centuries and continues to be a big draw for visitors to Scotland today.

“The National Wallace Monument, built in his honour 150 years ago, now attracts over a hundred thousand visitors each year, each of whom leave with a deeper understanding of Wallace and the legacy he left behind.

“2019 has been an exciting year for the Monument – our interior exhibition spaces were totally transformed, and we have held a programme of special events throughout the year, as we strive to tell the fascinating story of William Wallace to both the people of Scotland and visitors from all over the world better than it has ever been told before.”

To celebrate the 150th milestone, visitors will be treated to a fun day of festivities around the Abbey Craig – the jutting hill upon which the monument was built.

A re-enactment of the Battle of Stirling Bridge – the famous conflict where Wallace defeated Edward I’s army in 1297 – along with the cutting of an incredible two-foot cake replica of the monument are some of the activities to be enjoyed on the day. A family-friendly festival, Wallace Wha’ Hae will also take place at the weekend to continue the celebrations. The two events have been awarded £25,000 from EventScotland – part of VisitScotland’s events directorate.

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “The National Wallace Monument is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and a beacon for the country’s history and culture.

“Reaching the 150th anniversary is an incredible achievement for the staff there and the many predecessors who came before them. It is right then that we celebrate them and the man himself with the Wallace 150 and Wallace Wha’ Hae events.

“Wallace and his monument have made a huge impression on visitors and as times have changed so has the visitor experience on the Abbey Craig meaning it is still going strong a century and half later.

“We need to create world class experiences, events and attractions to keep up with ever-changing visitor demands. Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”

Get tickets to Wallace Wha’ Hae here: www.nationalwallacemonument.com/wallacewhahae/

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Local sporting heroes back Stirling campaign to get more women and girls active

Some of Stirling’s sporting heroes, including an Olympic champion and a World Championships silver medallist, are supporting a drive to get more local women and girls active.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

VisitScotland hails the 150th anniversary of The National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument is celebrating its 150th anniversary today (WED 11 September) and VisitScotland is hailing the world’s long-lasting love affair with the Scottish hero.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings