Wallacestone

This monument, erected in 1810, sits on the site of a much older monument to Scottish leader William Wallace. It stands in a village named after the memorial, the village of Wallacestone.

William Wallace waged a war of independence against England. The last battle of this campaign took place on 22nd July, 1298 at the Battle of Falkirk - Wallace decisively lost the battle, with thousands of his supporters killed in the battle. While the exact site of the battle is not known, it is believed that Wallace observed his defeat from the position of the monument.

Scotland and England were eventually united - peacefully - in 1707. And now a new battle for independence is raging, but this time - thankfully - at the ballot box. Opinion polls suggest that Scotland is deeply divided as to what will be the best future for the country, whether it be best to live and work within the UK or as a separate nation.

Voting takes place on Thursday of this week; by Friday morning we will have a clearer picture of the country's future.