Wallace Day 2007

A week of celebration in honour of our great national hero Sir William Wallace, finally came to a close here in Elderslie, his birthplace. Ourselves and members of The Wallace Society, Siol, Crann Tara, The Ayrshire Militia & many more assembled along with the general public to honour the great man. The march left Ludovic Square in Johnstone at 3pm led by the magnificent Kilbarchan Pipe Band closely followed by The Society of William Wallace's banner. Despite the miserable weather there was a healthy turnout of people, it did the heart proud to see so many Saltires and other banners flapping in the wind, lots of passers by stopped their shopping to watch this colourful spectacle. We marched the 2 miles or so to the monument situated in Elderslie whereupon a sizeable crowd had already gathered to watch the ceremony.

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Taking centre stage was the big yin himself David R. Ross who read a tribute to Wallace written by Helen Allen. David himself gave us a short speech followed by Duncan Fenton of The Wallace Society who gave a fantastic speech about what Wallace means to us all. Willie Wolfe, who has done so much for Scottish Nationalism was presented with a Scottish Dirk for his services to Scotland which I thought was a really nice touch. Davie Ross spotted Winnie Ewing in the crowd & invited her to say a few words, it was lovely to hear she's lost none of the fire that burns in her belly. Finally the ceremony was brought to a close with the laying of wreaths at the monument.

  
We had a few hours to kill until the night time shenanigans began, so we had a wee look around the hall where there were stalls selling allsorts. Most of these stalls are run by people who give up their time to raise funds for worthy causes such as The Wallace Society, I always make a point of buying a few things. Then it was time for a wee beer. We settled outside the hall as the weather had turned quite pleasant. This gave us an opportunity to catch up with friends old & new. Thoroughly enjoyed myself just talking about our great country & all her heroes. A quick bite to eat & then it was into the hall for the afore mentioned shenanigans.

We still didn't know if Albannach were going to make it, but no worries Ted Christopher was in charge & he soon had the place rocking, singing songs from his new album, superb, if you don't have it you can get a copy here. The mans a legend he never fails to impress me, I'm convinced if he wasn't told to take a break he'd play all night. After a wee break guess who entered the room, that's right, Albannach! Now the night was going onto another level. What a set these guys pulled off, even some of the audience were saying it's the best they've ever heard them, excellent stuff,  you can get their new album here.

The Paisley Tartan Army & our good ladies had a great time, thanks to everyone concerned who helped make this great day happen. Special mention to Thomas, keep dancing laddie, also thanks to Jamesie & Aya who gave me & Susan a couple of keepsakes, a really nice touch, I might be engaged I don't really know!!! Also before I forget we finished of the night with a thundering rendition of "I'm Coming Home" Ted's tribute to Wallace, you can download it here for free, what a song, what a night, can't wait 'till next year.

Our Thanks To Our Friends @ Crann Tara For Their Hospitality

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