Display marks Braveheart efforts

The display has been created in one of the three internal galleries

A exhibition on how the Wallace Monument was built is to open more than a century after the foundation stone was laid for the historic structure.

The display honours the army of stonemasons who took eight years to construct the 220ft tower.

A descendant of the local blacksmith who laid the final stone will be guest of honour at the opening ceremony.

Tourism bosses decided to put on the display after visitors questioned the complexity of the construction.

The exhibition, Building The Monument, tells the story of how national efforts to honour the achievements of Sir William Wallace led to the eventual choice of Abbey Craig at Stirling as the site.

It was referred to at the time as "a mountain for a monument".

Dangerous job

The meeting to launch the project was held on 21 June, 1856. The foundation stone of the monument was laid on Bannockburn Day, 24 June, five years later.

Despite opposition, controversy and a shortage of funds, the monument was finally completed in time for the grand opening in 1869.

Even the completion of construction gave rise to argument.

The wife of the stonemason selected to undertake the task of cementing the capstone in place made it clear that she did not want him climbing to the top of the 220ft tower - considering the risk to be too great.

Another - unmarried - worker volunteered for the job instead.

The building of the monument really is an amazing story John Paterson Stirling District Tourism

Representatives of the families of both men will be attending the exhibition opening on Monday.

Alex Bean is great-great-nephew of the stonemason who placed the capstone and Margaret Cook is great-great-grand-daughter of Duncan McInnes, foreman stonemason throughout the building of the monument, whose wife did not want him to undertake the task.

Chairman of Stirling District Tourism, John Paterson, was delighted both could take part in the opening of the exhibition.

"The building of the monument really is an amazing story, especially considering both the structure of the building, and the location chosen, and it deserves to be told," he said.

"Visitors to the monument have another dimension to discover - a fascinating insight into its background."

Building The Monument has been created in one of the three galleries within the main tower, which also tells the story of the life, trial, and execution of William Wallace and houses the tower's "Hall of Heroes".