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The Wallace Monument grounds have a fresh look after the first wave of improvements is now finished.
The Wallace Birthplace Monument is a tribute to Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace, on the traditional site of his home in Elderslie.
Sir William Wallace (1274-1305) is famous for his battles against the rule of Edward Plantagenet during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
While we don’t know an awful lot about the early years of Wallace’s life, we do know that he was born in 1274 in Elderslie and it is believed that he was educated by the monks of Paisley Abbey.
The monument features a series of sculpted plaques around a column that looks like an old market cross. These plaques tell the story of Wallace’s life as Knight of Elderslie and Guardian of Scotland.
Improvements to the Wallace Monument Grounds
Now, the iconic Wallace Monument is looking better than ever, thanks to improvements to its surrounding grounds. Support from the Scottish and UK Government programmes helped to freshen up the monument and make visitor experience even better. This included:
- Improvements to the surrounding landscape, with new plants, trees, and wildflowers
- Additional spaces with grass, which can be used for community events
- Repairs and enhancements to information pillars, access steps, and railings
Renfrewshire Council worked with local groups, including the Elderslie Community Council and the Wallace Society, to make these improvements possible. This contributes to Renfrewshire Council’s Tourism Plan to make the Wallace Monument an even more attractive place for both tourists and locals to visit.
Make sure to visit the monument and see the improvements. Why not try our Wallace Begins travel itinerary too, and travel in the footsteps of Wallace and his life’s journey.
While the first wave of improvements is complete, there are plans for even more improvements in the future. Renfrewshire Council is working with community groups to decide what the next steps should be.
We’re excited to see the Wallace Monument continue to be a treasured landmark in Renfrewshire!
