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Thanks to Stewart Connor for the write up (http://www.cranntara.org.uk:80/falkirk_cairn2.htm)
and Duncan Fenton,
Vice
Convenor, Society of William Wallace,
for the pictures.
On the nearest Saturday
to the 709th anniversary of The Battle of Falkirk 22.07.1298 the
dedication ceremony was held to unveil the newly built cairn to the
Scots who fought that day against the saxon invaders under the
leadership of Sir William Wallace. The day dawned dry, warm and
overcast with the gathering place of the ancient Fa'kirk chosen for
the starting point of the procession through the town to the Cairn in
Callender Park. The Kirk grounds are where lie the bodies of Sir John
de Graeme, Wallace's loyal comrade in arms and Sir John Stewart of
Bonkle who led the Men of Bute on that day and whom were wiped out
almost to a man.
The gathering in the
Kirk grounds was attended by many Groups and Patriots from all over
Scotland including Ronnie Browne of The Corries, The Society of
William Wallace, The Scottish Knights Templar, Crann Tara, Siol nan
Gaidheal, Na fir Dileas, The Scottish Fellowship, Various Scottish
National Party Constituent Groups and many members of the public. The
Denny and Dunipace pipe band were asked to lead the procession through
the streets of Falkirk to Callender Park, with Dunipace the location
of the chapel where the young Wallace was tutored by his uncle the
Priest, this was an inspirational choice. Prior to the muster and
leading off from the Kirk, Ken Shira of The Scottish Knights Templar
who would act as an excellent MC for the Dedication Ceremony led a
small service and wreath laying in memory of Sir John de Graeme, Sir
John Stewart and The Men of Bute, where a wreath was laid at the
granite Celtic Cross in the churchyard erected in 1877 by the then
Marquis of Bute.
Mustering at 12.30pm
the large following set off led by the Colour Party consisting of
Gordon, Grant and Stewart, carrying a replica of Wallace's Claymore,
the Saltire and The Royal Standard of Scotland. With the Denny and
Dunipace pipe band striking up this made a stirring sight as the march
wound it's way down the High Street of Falkirk packed with Saturday
Shoppers who stopped and paid tribute to the marchers with some even
applauding as they went past. The march continued its way down hill to
the entrance to Callender Park and the Memorial Cairn draped in the
Saltire used to cover Wallace's coffin on its return to Scotland in
2005 in the Walk for Wallace Year led by David Ross.
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At the Cairn a
large gathering in the region of 300 people had assembled boosted
by passers by keen to take part in the ceremony. Ken Shira opened
proceedings by welcoming those in attendance and distributing the
excellent programmes produced by himself. Then from the hill
behind the cairn the stirring notes of a lone piper was heard and
the colour party re-appeared, marching to the cairn banners
flying, where Gordon Aitken placed the Claymore in the ground to
act as a cross with an inspirational speech as though Wallace
himself had arrived to address his army of Patriots that fateful
day. Duncan Fenton of The Society of William Wallace then raised
the Saltire on the flag pole adjacent to the Cairn as Ken Shira
led opening prayers before handing over to Ronnie Browne of The
Corries for the unveiling. |
This was a moment not
to be forgotten and will be remembered by all who attended for many
years to come as Ronnie taking the microphone addressed the crowd with
the words “I haven't prepared a speech but thought this would be a
fitting tribute from a previous battle” and he went straight into
their song “Stirling Brig” unaccompanied by music. (Truly memorable as
it echoed through the park). Ronnie continued with the unveiling of
the cairn itself, removing the Saltire to reveal the words on the
plaque, some penned by Robert Burns another of our famous Patriots
which have inspired the concept of Freedom and in memory to those who
fought and fell fighting for that very Freedom. The anthem “Flower of
Scotland” was then sung, led by Ronnie Browne. The laying of wreaths
followed with tributes laid by The Scottish Knights Templar, The
Falkirk Historical Society, The Men of Bute, John Patterson and The
SNP Rutherglen. A minutes silence was observed in memory and all
colours were dipped and a lament composed specially for the day by the
Pipe Major from the Denny and Dunipace band was played to complete the
minutes silence and the notes of the pipes echoed gracefully through
the park a fitting tribute to those who died that day. Some superb
guest speeches followed with John Patterson leading the way with a
reading of his poem which graces the base of the Cairn itself. Duncan
Fenton of The Society of William Wallace followed with an excellent
speech and rounding things off a fine speech from Local SNP Councillor
and Group Leader David Alexander.
Closing proceedings
were commenced with Ken Shira leading a closing prayer then the colour
party advanced to the front for the removal of the sword cross with
the added assistance of Karen Owens and Julie McCabe who were there
throughout the building of the cairn in all weathers and were very
able assistants during the construction works. Gordon Aitken removed
the sword and a benediction was said with Ken Shira then dismissing
all and thanking every one for their attendance, announcing a
re-gathering in 12 months time.
For those who have not
yet made it to Falkirk to see this fitting memorial it really is
something to behold and well worth the visit to this part of Scotland
steeped in the many Historical events from our proud and ancient past.
The building of this memorial will be remembered for a very long time
and all those who took part in it no matter what or how small that
part was, did so with the spirit of Freedom shinning from their hearts
that very same spirit given to our proud Nation by Sir William Wallace
and those who stood that day at his side against all odds willing to
give up their lives for that very same Freedom.
Report by Stewart
Connor
Service at Sir John de Graeme's tomb
Before the March off
Opening address by Ken Shira, Scottish Knights Templar [left] Ronnie
Brown sings [right]
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