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Digitised drawings of National Wallace Monument on public display for first time

A rare opportunity to study the plans that led to the construction of the National Wallace Monument will form the centrepiece of a double birthday celebration this week.

First published

03 Sep 2024

A William Wallace actor holds a sword in a lodge setting, with digitised images behind him on a wood penelled wall.
William Wallace 'footsoldier', actor Ian Watt, shows off the digitised drawings, on display at the National Wallace Monument until 31 October.

As Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary, the iconic landmark that sits atop Abbey Craig and overlooks the city is also preparing to mark the 155th year since its grand opening on 11 September 1869.

From this Friday (6 September), a digitised version of the drawings from renowned Victorian architect John Thomas Rochead will be on public display for the first time at The Keeper’s Lodge, located on the Monument’s ground floor. They are a replica of the fragile originals, preserved in Stirling Council’s archives, and free to view.

The idea for a monument to William Wallace was first conceived in Stirling in 1850 and construction work began with the laying of a foundation stone, overlooking Scotland’s historic heartland, in 1861.

Originally funded by public subscription, over the last 12 months the National Wallace Monument has welcomed 133,871 visitors from all over the world - one of its busiest years on record.

Ambitious

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “This is a great year for Stirling, with our 900 celebrations in full swing and our much loved National Wallace Monument continuing to attract impressive visitor numbers from both home and abroad.

“Stirling is an ambitious, forward thinking city and, of course, we also cherish our world-class heritage offering.

“I know residents and visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to study the fascinating architectural drawings of the Monument.

“Rochead’s plans were submitted as part of a competition and his design was chosen from 106 entrants. The National Wallace Monument is not only a wonderful tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest patriots, William Wallace, but to the design brilliance of Rochead himself.”

Full details of the programme of events available to visitors can be found by visiting The National Wallace Monument, Stirling.  This includes timings of actor performances, which are free to watch outside the Monument every Saturday and Sunday throughout September.

* The Keeper’s Lodge is located on the ground-floor of the Monument and visitors do not require a ticket to enter this area to view the display. The exhibit will run until 31 October 2024.