Stone blocks left over when the Wallace Monument was built are to be used as part of a £300,000 refurbishment of the tower ahead of international events this year.
The sandstone monument overlooking the site of William Wallace’s victory over Edward I’s army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, is to be completely remodelled inside before the start of the 2014 visitor season.
Stone was quarried from the Abbey Craig hill in Stirling to build the monument, which was completed in 1896.
However, not all of the stone excavated for the monument was used at the time, with some being left in the quarry.
Now some of the remaining stones will be used to create a plinth for a new case that will hold one of the most famous artefacts in the tower Wallace’s sword.
The monument has been home to Wallace’s 5ft 6in broadsword for more than 100 years, and it will now take pride of place in the Hall of Heroes, the gallery on the second floor that will tell the story of Wallace’s life, and of how he came to be acclaimed as Scotland’s first national hero.
Paid for by public subscription the landmark above Cambuskenneth Abbey, attracts more than 110,000 visitors a year.
Stirling District Tourism, which manages the monument, said the refurbishment was being carried out in response to the international events taking place this year.
Stirling District Tourism marketing manager Ken Thomson said: “This year is going to be an important one in terms of tourism, with the Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games, Armed Forces Day in Stirling and the independence referendum.
“There will be a huge focus on Scotland internationally and we want to provide visitors to the National Wallace Monument the best experience.”
Stirling District Tourism chairwoman, Zillah Jamieson, said: “We know just how much the story of Wallace as a patriot and martyr means to those visitors from all across the world who come to the monument, so we want to ensure that the time they spend with us, and in the city of Stirling, is truly memorable.”
Busts of other prominent Scots, from Robert Bruce to Robert Burns, will also feature on the second floor. On the third floor visitors will be able to discover the story behind the construction of the monument, and the other memorials that have been constructed to pay tribute to William Wallace.
Interpretive exhibition design specialists Campbell & Co have been appointed to carry out the refurbishment.
Campbell & Co managing director David Campbell said: “For the thousands of visitors who travel every year from all across the world to visit the monument, the way in which the stories of the Battle of Stirling Bridge and of the life of William Wallace are told is really important and we want every one of those visitors to have a really memorable experience when they come to Stirling.”
The monument will be closed to visitors from Monday to April 5.