The home of Scottish heroes The Wallace and The Bruce—two of Scotland’s greatest heroes find their personal histories intertwined with Paisley and Renfrewshire. William Wallace, Scotland’s In 1315, Marjory was married to one Braveheart, was the son of an of Bruce’s most loyal lieutenants, Elderslie knight and reputedly Walter Fitzalan, the High Steward educated by the monks of Paisley of the King – a descendant of the Abbey. A monument to this hero of Walter Fitzalan who had founded the medieval Wars of Independence Paisley Abbey some 150 years stands in the village of Elderslie before. Legend has it that, on 2 today. A series of sculpted plaques March 1316, the pregnant Marjory around the monument depict was riding home to her husband’s the key moments in Wallace’s castle in Renfrew when she fell from extraordinary life. her horse. Her baby was delivered by caesarean section, but young Renfrewshire’s connections with the Marjory died—her death as tragic as other great hero of that time, King her life had been. Robert the Bruce, are more tragic. But the baby boy, Robert, would go His daughter, Princess Marjory, had on to be King Robert II of Scotland— been taken prisoner by the English the first of the Stewart kings and the after her father seized the vacant founder of a dynasty which would crown of King of Scots. Imprisoned rule Scotland for centuries to come. in the Tower of London for years, the young woman was only released once her father and the Scots army had fought and won the Battle of Bannockburn. Wallace Birthplace Paisley Abbey Renfrew Museum Monument, Elderslie Enjoy a visit to the jewel in Paisley’s Learn about the town known as crown—an architectural gem with a ‘the cradle of the Stewarts’—a dynasty Visit the traditional site of William storied history reaching back almost which ruled Scotland for centuries. Wallace’s home in Elderslie and pay 900 years. homage at a memorial erected to This fascinating 4-star VisitScotland- Scotland’s national hero. See a stunning series of stained-glass rated museum tells the story of the windows (including one dedicated former Royal Burgh of Renfrew, from Famous for his battles against the to Sir William Wallace), learn of the medieval times to the present day. tyranny of Edward Plantagenet, this fascinating relics recovered from the Housed inside the stunning Disney monument to Wallace comprises a Great Medieval Drain—and try and spot Castle-style town hall building, it’s a series of sculpted plaques around a the gargoyle inspired by Ridley Scott’s must-visit on your trip to Renfrewshire. column reminiscent of a market cross, Alien movie! with each plaque illustrating a key Mon–Fri, 9.30am–4.45pm moment in his life as Knight of Elderslie Mon–Sat, 10am–3.30pm. Sat, 10am–2pm and Guardian of Scotland Guided tours Tues and Thurs at 2pm. Free admission Free admission Wallace Birthplace Monument Renfrew Museum 241 Main Road Paisley Abbey Renfrew Cross Elderslie PA5 9EN Abbey Close Renfrew Paisley PA1 1JG PA4 8PF +(0)141 889 7654 +(0)300 300 1210 [email protected] [email protected] www.paisleyabbey.org.uk www.renfrewshireleisure.com Isle of Skye We’re one of the best connected towns in Scotland. Caringorms National Park Paisley is less than 15 minutes from Glasgow by rail Fort William or road, and lies just off the M8 motorway. With great cycle links and simple connections to our wonderful towns and villages—however you’re Isle of Mull travelling, getting here, and getting around, is easy. Dundee Oban Perth St Andrews Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Stirling Falkirk Greenock Glasgow Edinburgh Paisley Lanark Ardrossan Isle of Arran Prestwick.