Scots actor James Cosmo will switch on new floodlighting at Stirling’s historic Old Brig in a ceremony next month.
The work on the scheduled ancient monument, comprising new LED lighting, has been overseen by the Guardians of Scotland Trust (GoST).
During a film career of more than 50 years James Cosmo’s credits include Scottish historical film dramas Braveheart (1995) and The Outlaw King (2018).
Stirling musician Ted Christopher of GoST said of the new lighting: “We are delighted to have had the generous support of technical services company FES who are supplying and installing the lighting free of charge. “This alone, will be of huge benefit both to the city as a tourist attraction and to increasing interest in the site itself.”
Following the ceremony – to take place on the north bank of the Forth on Friday March 10 at 6.45pm – there will be a concert at Stirling Rugby Club, Bridgehaugh.
It is in aid of the proposed GoST ‘Brothers in Arms’ memorial to commemorate the role played in the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge by co-commanders Andrew de Moray and William Wallace.
A model of the monument featuring Wallace and de Moray was unveiled at the city’s Smith Art Gallery and Museum in 2018.
Campaigners hope that the sculpture will be installed on the north side of the Forth, near the bridge where Wallace and de Moray once stood in battle.
Wallace and de Moray’s army had inflicted a shattering defeat on much larger English forces as they attempted to cross the Forth in September 1297.
Artist Malcolm Robertson, based in Fife, was awarded the ‘Brothers in Arms’ design commission in 2016.
The fundraising concert at Bridgehaugh will include Benny Gallagher (Gallagher and Lyle), Gordon Menzies (Gaberlunzie), Ian Bayne (Runrig) and Ted Christopher.
Ted added: “Until now the site of one of Scotland’s most important battles has been largely overlooked.
The Trust believes it is time to put that right and also to tell the true story of the battle and give Andrew de Moray recognition alongside William Wallace as being co-commander of the Scottish army.”
The full line up and details for the Bridgehaugh concert will be released soon