The Guardian’s of Scotland Trust is delighted at Creative Scotland’s recent decision to support a memorial to William Wallace and Andrew de Moray at Stirling Bridge. The Trust expects to raise around £377,000 towards this project to which Creative Scotland have allocated £188,500 from their Large Scale Capital Public Art fund. The project expects to attract tremendous competition and interest from artists with excellent reputations to undertake this high quality work. More than just a sculpture project; The Guardians of Scotland Trust is also in discussion with Stirling Council’s Education, Culture and Community Learning Services to offer a breadth of creative learning opportunities through this work to young people and families  

The project while based on Scotland’s First War of Independence, aims to portray good sense of the relationship between Wallace and De Moray, the role of Andrew de Moray being far less appreciated by many; and without whom it is believed this war would not have been won.

Chairman, and founding member of the Guardians of Scotland Trust, Fergus Wood said, “At last Scotland’s two Guardians, William Wallace and Andrew de Moray, will be seen side by side and recognised for the contribution they made jointly to the Nation of Scotland.
Provost Mike Robbins added ‘We welcome the funding support from Creative Scotland. This will help tell the story of Stirling’s role at the heart of Scotland’s history

To highlight a greater sense of truth in the historic picture of these times, against that of the much loved film Braveheart, the project includes history lovers and the much respected support of Dr Elspeth King, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum who said,
‘This will be the first major public work of art to be created for Stirling in 50 years. The last was the Bruce statue, created by the sculptor Charles d’Orville Pilkington Jackson for Bannockburn, unveiled on the 650th anniversary of the battle in 1964.’

The Guardians of Scotland Trust also has the best of national partner support; Kathleen O’Neill, arts consultant is working closely with the Trust in an advisory capacity, and national trustee representatives from the Andrew de Moray project and the Society of William Wallace are overjoyed that at last some serious portrayal of these Scottish heroes can be made.

John Robertson, of the Andrew de Moray Project said," It's a great honour for Stirling to host the first public art  commemorated to Andrew de Moray anywhere in the world. It is gratifying that the co-commanders of the Army of Scotland are at last being recognised in this exciting work about Moray and Wallace."

George Boyle of the Society of William Wallace added ‘We are proud to help steer a project that brings remembrance at last to Andrew de Moray, whose crucial role alongside William Wallace took his life at Stirling Bridge’

The artwork will stand on the North Bank of the River Forth, where the two men are once thought to have stood, and aims to attract many more visitors to the historic site. The Trust hope to see the artwork on display no later than 2014 after much more fundraising, keen for support from residents and business sponsors. Hoping to engage public interest, musician and cultural activist,

Ted Christopher says ‘I'm delighted that Stirling Bridge which is one of the most important sites in Scottish history will at long last have a fitting memorial. I would urge anyone interested in supporting, or hearing more about this project, to get in touch without hesitation.’

Editors Note

For further information contact Trust Secretary Dr Elspeth King

Email Elspeth.King@smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk Telephone 01786 471917

The Guardians of Scotland Trust was granted charitable status in 2012 to advance the education of the public by promoting the roles of William Wallace and his lesser celebrated counterpart Andrew de Moray in the Scottish Wars of Independence; to create a public art work with educational/community opportunities attached, in their honour, and to raise awareness of the place the De Moray family had in the Scottish Wars of Independence working closely with Wallace

Trustees, Guardians of Scotland Trust;

Chair, Councillor Fergus Wood, Stirling Council
Provost Mike Robbins, Stirling Council
Dr Elspeth King, Director, Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
John Robertson, Andrew de Moray Project
George Boyle, Society of William Wallace
Ted Christopher, Musician and Cultural Activist
Hazel Barton, Master and Factor Cowane’s Trust
Robin Iffla, Dean of Guild, Stirling Guildry

Kathleen O’Neill is Fundraiser and Project Manager for the Guardians of Scotland Trust. Kathleen is an arts consultant based in Bridge of Allan; providing professional development support to independent artists, arts, heritage and education bodies nationally. To contact culturematters@btinternet.com Telephone 07549 304097