Plans for new signage to tell town centre visitors more about a Falkirk battle that played a crucial role in Scotland's history will be in place in time for its 725th anniversary.
As the anniversary of the first Battle of Falkirk approaches, members of Falkirk Council 's executive heard that plans are being made to the mark the battle and direct visitors to some key locations around the town.
The battle, on July 22, 1298, saw William Wallace, then Guardian of Scotland, lead Scottish forces to take on Edward I , the English king who was looking for revenge after defeat at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
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At Falkirk, however, the Scottish army was defeated and William Wallace resigned his leadership, to be replaced by Robert the Bruce.
While the actual site of the battle is not known, visitors to the town centre can visit Trinity Church to see the tomb of Sir John de Graeme, Wallace's second-in-command.
He died in action and his body was carried by Wallace himself from the battlefield to the Parish Church, where he was laid to rest.
Visitors will also be directed to the Battle of Falkirk memorial in the town's Callendar Park.
While the signs are temporary, planning permission will be sought to make them permanent.
Councillors agreed a budget of up to £20,000 to adapt and enhance the current signage in the High Street, as well as adding two interpretation boards to give more details of the battle.
Falkirk Council officers told members they have been working closely with the Society of John de Graeme to get the narrative for the new interpretation boards.
The council is also working with the Society to make use of their existing promotional materials and logos commissioned as part of the Wallace Trail.
The signage will also direct people to the Battle of Falkirk memorial cairn in Callendar Park.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “The Battle of Falkirk is an aspect of the area’s heritage that contributes to our tourism offer and it’s great to get the backing of the full Executive for this positive plan to promote our area.
“As well as directing residents and visitors to key locations around the area, the new interpretation boards and signage will add to the information available to our local communities on this historic event.”
The proposal to spend £20,000 to create the new signage was put forward by the Conservative group on Falkirk Council and Councillor James Bundy welcomed the agreement to put the plans into place.
He said: “The people of Falkirk should take pride in the role we have played in Scottish and British history. Small steps to celebrate our history, such as signage to acknowledge the 725 th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, will help build this pride.
“I am pleased that these signs will be located on Falkirk High Street and will be designed in a way to become permanent features of the High Street’s landscape.
"This will help boost tourism in our High Street, and increase awareness of the important role Falkirk has played in Scottish and British history.”
