New William Wallace interpretation area coming soon

The colourful role of William Wallace in Lanark’s story is soon to be brought to life with a new interpretation and public art project in the heart of the town centre.

Local organisations Discover Lanark and Lanark Community Development Trust are working together to bring a currently empty gap site in the medieval centre of Lanark back into use with this exciting project. The location in Castlegate is believed to be the site of the former town house of the Braidfute family, into which William Wallace married in 1297 when he wed Marion Braidfute.

William Wallace’s role in Lanark’s history is tinged with both romance and bloodshed. Marion and Wallace married in 1297 but soon after she was murdered on the orders of the English sheriff of Lanark, William Heselrig. Wallace took bloody revenge on Heselrig before sacking the town. From there, he fled Lanark and his rising gained momentum until its bloody conclusion some years later.

The gap site is locally known as ‘Wallace House’ and the project features the recreation of a ‘room’ within the house. The windows, seats, table, bookcases and garden will be created by giant gable end murals, a sword sculpture, timber seats and walls, interpretation panels and a living wall.

Graeme McLeish, Chair of Discover Lanark said: “We want to acknowledge and explore Wallace’s role in Lanark’s history. To bring this rundown site back into use in such a creative and interesting way is very exciting. We were very pleased and grateful to receive funding from the Scotland Loves Local Fund to support this important project.”

Sylvia Russell, Chair of Lanark Community Development Trust added, “We get a lot of visitors to Lanark asking where they can find out more about William Wallace. This project will provide lots of information and interest for visitors of all ages.”

The concept drawing below shows how the site might look with the designs for the two murals yet to be finalised. A planning application has been lodged with South Lanarkshire Council and it is hoped that the project will be started in late summer.