Ayr town centre resounded with the sound of a lone piper as he led a procession to mark the 700th anniversary of the death of Sir William Wallace.

South Ayrshire Provost Gordon McKenzie, the Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor David Duncan , and local Member Councillor Robert Campbell walked down Newmarket Street in Ayr behind the piper. The party then stopped at the statue of Sir William Wallace, which is located on the wall above O’Briens, and paid their respects to a Scottish hero.

The party then walked up the High Street to the Wallace Tower, where Provost McKenzie made a short speech to the crowd that had gathered. He said: “We are gathered here today, at this significant location in Ayr High Street, to pay tribute to a Scot who is one of Scotland ’s greatest heroes. He was a great warrior, a motivating leader, and a man passionate in his beliefs.”

As the Saltire fluttered in the wind and rain the party moved to stand in silence for a moment, and reflect upon Sir William Wallace’s achievements, at the sign dedicated to him at the side of the Wallace Tower.

The Provost, addressing those who gathered to watch the ceremony said: “I would like to thank you all for your attendance at this significant part of Ayrshire history. Now, in memory of Sir William Wallace, and on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, and the people of South Ayrshire I lay this wreath.”

Sir William Wallace had a very close association with Ayr and Ayrshire, and this fact was reported in the third statistical account of Scottish records, which shows that Wallace was born in Riccarton Castle Ellerslie, son of Sir Malcolm Wallace and Lady Margaret de Lambinus who was originally of Loudoun Castle, Galston.

Pictured at the Wallace Tower with the floral tribute are (left to right) the Depute Leader of the Council, Councillor David Duncan, Provost Gordon McKenzie, Councillor Robert Campbell and piper Colin Reid from Ayr Pipe Band.