Wallace's sword is sent to do battle in America
One of Scotland's national treasures, the sword wielded by William Wallace in battles against the English, left the country yesterday for the first time in 700 years.
The double-handed weapon will form the centrepiece of an exhibition in New York during the city's annual Tartan Day celebrations, which begin today.
It may be the only time the sword leaves Scotland
The sword, which is 5ft 4in long and weighs 6lb, was used by the Scots patriot in his famous victory over Edward I at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
It was kept at Dumbarton Castle for 600 years after his execution in 1305, and was later moved to the Wallace Monument at Stirling, where it overlooks the scene of the battle.
This week, the sword was removed from its case and lowered down the monument's narrow spiral staircase before being taken under police escort to Glasgow Airport.
The National Museum of Scotland decided it was fit to travel across the Atlantic, at a cost of £1,400. It was encased in protective material inside a special case.
It will be under guard at the Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central station in Manhattan as part of a promotion for Stirling.
The weapon should be back in Scotland by April 11.
Colin O'Brien, the provost of Stirling, said it may be the only time the sword leaves Scotland.
"This is an historic moment," he said. "It is the first time in 700 years that a relic of this importance has left these shores."
Craig Mair, a local historian, said the sword was the strongest remaining link to the patriot.
"It is the sword he used when he waded into battle with the English in 1297, and is responsible for creating an important part of Scotland's history," he said.
"The sword itself tells us that Wallace was a giant of a man, most likely standing more than 6ft 6in tall."
Its first departure from Scotland coincides with the 700th anniversary of the execution of Wallace, whose deeds were celebrated in the film Braveheart.
He was defeated by Edward at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Seven years later he was betrayed and captured.
In 1305, the Scottish nobleman was tried for treason and dragged through the streets of London before being hung, drawn and quartered.
