Campaign launched in Scotland for William Wallace Day as national holiday

Research by the tourist attraction Edinburgh Dungeon has found a majority of Scots (72%), would support a day to celebrate William Wallace with 42% declaring him "the bravest Scot ever". This has now led them to launch a campaign to introduce a new national holiday to William Wallace. The survey was conducted across Scotland online by Censuswide between June 8 and 11. During the Campaign votes will be taken via social media polls @EdinDungeon for the National Wallace Day. The idea is supported by the Society of William Wallace and if succesful the National Wallace Day will take place annually on August 23, the date of his execution.

William Wallace (Scottish Gaelic: Uilleam Uallas; c.1270 - died 23 August 1305) was a Scottish knight, patriot and national hero. He was one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Leading the Scottish rebellion against Edward I and along with Andrew Murray inflicted a famous defeat on the English army at Stirling Bridge. William Wallace was eventually betrayed and captured on 3rd August 1305. He was transported to London where he was charged and tried with treason. During the sham trial at which he was denied the right to speak, he shouted his denial of the charge stating that he was:

 "A Scot, born in Scotland, and did not recognise England as his sovereign nation."

His murder took place on 23 August, 1305 when he was dragged naked through the city and then hung, drawn and quartered. His head was placed on London Bridge, and his limbs displayed in Newcastle, Berwick, Stirling and Perth. The hope of the English King was to disrespect and cower the Scottish. However, at the end of the Wars of Scottish Independence between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England, Scotland retained its status as an independent nation.

The legacy of William Wallace is summed up perfectly by The Society of William Wallace:

 "But Sir William Wallace needs no tomb. His memory lives on in the heart and souls of Scots, every generation recognising his devotion to his native soil, and he will be remembered by Scots men and women till the end of time."