National Wallace Monument opens after refurbishment

News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC
Sculptures of Maggie Keswick Jencks and Mary Slessor have joined the new Hall of Heroes

The National Wallace Monument has reopened following a refurbishment of its exhibition galleries to celebrate the landmark's 150th anniversary.

Work to transform all three floors of the monument near Stirling has been going on since February.

News imageNational Wallace Monument Wallace MonumentNational Wallace Monument
There are new displays in the monument's three galleries

For the first time, visitors are able to see the sculptures of Scottish heroines Maggie Keswick Jencks and Mary Slessor in the new Hall of Heroes.

The Maggie's Centres co-founder and the Dundonian missionary won a public vote.

News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC

An animated film, titled Wallace - A Hero in The Making, is now playing in the Hall of Arms.

Battle of Stirling Bridge

And in the highest gallery, The Royal Chamber, a new viewfinder reveals how the landscape around the Abbey Craig appeared to Wallace in the 13th Century.

News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC

Wallace led the Scottish army to The Battle of Stirling Bridge there on 11 September 1297.

Zillah Jamieson, chairwoman of Stirling District Tourism, said the aim of the refurbishment was "to tell the story of William Wallace better than it has ever been told in the past".

News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC

She said: "The upgraded exhibition spaces will resonate with modern audiences from all over the world, through dynamic storytelling and digital enhancements.

"We are honoured to play our part in preserving the legacy of William Wallace for generations to come."

News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC
News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC
News imageBBC Wallace MonumentBBC

All images subject to copyright