Under consideration PE2214: Officially annually recognise 23rd of August as Wallace Day in honour of Sir William Wallace
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to officially declare and promote the 23rd of August as "Wallace Day" in honour of Scotland’s national hero Sir William Wallace who was judicially executed in London on the 23rd of August 1305 as a result of defending Scotland’s sovereignty.
Background information
Sir William Wallace is Scotland’s national hero.
In 1296 he led the cause to secure Scotland’s sovereignty from England's overlordship and restore Scotland’s place in Europe.
In 1297 he secured a national and monumental victory with his co-Commander Andrew de Moray at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
In 1298 he was declared High Guardian of Scotland and protector of the realm.
Between 1299 and 1301 he spent time in mainland Europe fighting for Scotland’s sovereignty.
In 1305 he was betrayed and captured resulting in his judicial execution at Smithfield on 23rd August.
His impact on Scotland’s history thereafter has been huge, from Bannockburn to Prestonpans. In the 1800s a huge wave of monuments to Wallace were erected and in 1995 Hollywood dedicated a full film to his story.
Additionally, stats indicate tourist numbers could increase as a result of the declaration of a national Sir William Wallace day.
75 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
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