The Trust
The Guardians of Scotland Trust was granted charitable status in 2013 to advance the education of the public by promoting the roles of William Wallace and his lesser celebrated counterpart Andrew de Moray in the Scottish Wars of Independence; to create a public art work with educational/community opportunities attached, in their honour, and to raise awareness of the place the De Moray family had in the Scottish Wars of Independence working closely with Wallace.
The Guardians of Scotland Trust is constituted as a registered charity comprised of representation from the Andrew de Moray Project, the Society of William Wallace, and to consistently include Stirling Council’s Provost, and a nominated councilor.
John Drummond Moray
John Drummond Moray became a Trustee in 2018, following earlier term as a Patron. John is directly related to Andrew de Moray and has, since a teenager, been very interested in his Moray ancestry. The Abercairny (home of the Moray family, for over 700 years), Latin Charters, describe them as ‘de Moravia’, meaning from Moray. John has thus, long supported any initiative for improved commemoration of his ancestor at Stirling Bridge and on the 700th anniversary of the Battle, planted, what is now a large tree, beside the bridge. John has made invaluable contribution to the Trust on historic aspects of their work and for a project he agrees is long overdue. John also lends his former professional expertise to Trust planning; after working for UK, American and Japanese Institutions, in the US and the UK, John established Scotland’s first international capital market operation in George Street, Edinburgh. Following this period, he ran a number of international businesses.
John says:
‘The feat of arms achieved by Andrew Moray and William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, 1297, was the first great victory achieved by the Scots in the Wars of Independence. Although Moray is perceived as being younger than Wallace, following his imprisonment in 1296 after the Battle of Dunbar, Moray escaped from Chester Castle, and proceeded to rally the north; while Wallace did the same in the south. Today’s, historians recognise that Moray, and his patrimony were located both in the north and in the south of Scotland, (i.e. Ormond Castle on the Black Isle, Bothwell and Dumsagard Castles near Glasgow), and arguably, as his father was the Justiciar, (Chief Law Officer of the North), Moray was in essence, the senior of the two patriots. Although Moray was to die of wounds he received at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, before his death, he was cosignatory with Wallace of a historic trade agreement between Scotland and The Hanseatic League in Lubeck, and this is manifested in a Latin Charter which places ‘Andreas de Moravia’ first.
I believe a joint statue of Moray and Wallace would go a long way to rehabilitate Moray who has hitherto been written out of history. Importantly, this project will not only contribute to the education of residents and visitors, it will also help create an increasingly vibrant tourist industry in a much greater catchment than the immediate area of Stirling’.
The Earl of Moray
‘The commemoration of the victory of both William Wallace and Andrew de Moray at the Battle of Stirling Bridge will provide a visual act of remembrance on the site itself which is long overdue. This is an exciting project and I look forward to the inception of this new work.’Allan MacInnes - Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Strathclyde
Ted Christopher, Vice Chair, was born and raised in Stirling, where he ran a retail music business (Roadshow Music) for 38 years. He is a professional Scottish singer/songwriter /guitarist, performing worldwide and known for his local and national charitable work.
Ted is the person who first of all had the idea to set up a Trust in order to create a joint commemoration to Andrew de Moray and William Wallace. He next contacted, then Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood, and Dr Elspeth King, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, with proposals to fittingly mark and realise the tourist potential of the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge,1297.
Ted says:
I am delighted that the Trust contains members from across the political spectrum who have the vision to see the undoubted advantages of our charitable aims. This project helps to highlight Stirling in this modern age, as a historic centre in Scotland and of the UK. In my view, there isn’t another comparable project opportunity in the area this time.
It is my opinion that Stirling has been negligent before now, in not commemorating Andrew de Moray beside William Wallace. It is very important to educate all that Wallace did not win the Battle of Stirling Bridge alone. It is my firm belief that history should be openly presented with as much information as we might honestly know about our past, and this project running to its completion will only result in benefits. Enhancing Stirling Bridge with new lighting and creating new public artwork, will boost the local economy, bringing Stirling and Scotland increased tourism. Importantly, this project will also offer new educational and potentially work opportunities, for local people.
John Robertson, Trustee, based in Moray, has been a member of the Board since its inception. John is a retired Business Banking Manager.
John says:
‘This project is so important for Scotland, and Stirling, in particular, from a cultural, educational, historical and tourism perspective. Furthermore, it gives Stirling the opportunity to give one of Scotland’s greatest heroes his place back in history which was lost due to his premature death from wounds incurred at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.‘
Douglas Dodds is the Provost of Stirling. Since taking office, his support and commitment to the Guardians of Scotland Trust, has mirrored Sculptor Malcolm Robertsons vision of his ‘Brothers in Arms’ Sculpture. Describing his winning Artwork, Malcolm Robertson said:
“I felt the need to steer away from conflict with this design, even though it is based around a battle. It’s about building bridges and the common endeavour of the two men and the way they came together in order to get a job done.”
Douglas has offered the hand of friendship and given the warmest of welcomes to all involved with the Guardians of Scotland Trust. I’m sure Wallace and De Moray, standing on the Abbey Craig, would be proud of his support for the Trusts Vision. Thank you Provost.
As the new Elected provost of Stirling it gives me great pleasure to be a trustee of the Guardians of Scotland. Be a part of an historic organisation. The lighting up the bridge will mark such an historical event. It’s important that the Stirling Council support the Guardians of Scotland to promote the history of the Battle Of Stirling Bridge and what it represents.”.
Claire Dunbar, Trust Secretary, has supported the Board since March 2017. Claire is a retired local government officer. First approached by founding member, former Provost, Fergus Wood to become the Trust Secretary, Claire was impressed by the passion and dedication of all Board members. Inspired by Trustee aims, Claire was delighted to uptake invitation to become a Trustee.
Claire says:
‘Should the project run to completion with funding support as hoped, it is believed that the artwork commission will be the only public memorial of Andrew de Moray anywhere in the world. He is known to have been a great strategist in the battle of Stirling Bridge and will be shown alongside William Wallace, as they would have once been in battle – as “brothers in arms”. Stunning artwork, in commemoration of De Moray and Wallace as co-commanders, will not only promote tourism interest, it will provide educational opportunities for the young people of Stirling. Already the Trust has evidenced substantial achievement by the offer of new lighting designs for Stirling Bridge, in partnership with the FES Group. Collectively, this project offers an extraordinary chance to revitalise a historical but currently underused area of the city and attract more visitors.’
Alyn Smith.
No biographical details supplied yet
Gene Maxwell
No biographical details supplied yet
Stevie and Molly are the Unofficial Stirling Welcome Team spending many a day off wandering up to Stirling Castle and chatting to visitors about Stirling. At the Castle esplanade he points out the Auld Brig and Battlefield and tells the story of the battle.
Stevie says: ‘The Brothers in Arms Memorial Sculpture gifts Stirling an opportunity to remember all those who fought, died and survived on both sides at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. There are over 20 memorials and statues to William Wallace around the World and none for his Co-Commander, Andrew de Moray. Stirling has an opportunity to put that right at the spot where Moray’s fatal wound was inflicted. In completing the Memorial Sculpture, we can educate our children and our adults, about our often forgotten history. More importantly this new landmark with help us Welcome the World and open visitors eyes to our amazing history and culture that goes way beyond Braveheart. By building the Brothers in Arms Memorial Sculpture at Stirling Bridge, we can put Stirling on the map as a must visit travel destination.
My vision for Stirling is that it becomes the most welcoming city / area in Scotland. By the time the Sculpture is finished, in let’s say 2025, those who call Stirling their home will know of Andrew de Moray and his story. And just as important, Stirling will have put in place an Official Welcome Team to Welcome the World. Now that’s a story worth sharing and local people, businesses and visitors will all benefit’. #welcome #bekind #thankyou #safepassage.
Gary says: As much as I love the film Braveheart, it saddens me that Andrew De Moray is not in it. Because of this omision, not very many people know who Andrew De Moray is and that’s a travesty, as in my option, he is up there with William Wallace. One of the reasons we need these monuments is to educate the people of Scotland and visitors about our history. I am proud to be part of the Guardians of Scotland Trust who, through the work we are doing together, will deliver a lasting memorial to Wallace and De Moray at Stirling Bridge. Once this monument has been built I believe Andrew will get his proper place in Scottish History’.
Murdo Fraser, MSP, has been a Trustee since October, 2017. Murdo is a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Scotland and Fife. Murdo is pleased to contribute to the work of the Trust.
Murdo says:
‘I have a long-standing interest in Scottish history, and am excited by proposals to remember the figure of Andrew De Moray, who simply has not had his proper place in Scotland’s story as a nation properly recognised. The Guardians of Scotland initiative will right this historic omission, and help provide a focal point for celebrating the battle of Stirling bridge.
Scotland’s history is not just important to our nation’s culture, but is increasingly significant in terms of our tourist offer. The international interest in the likes of the “Outlander” books and TV series have drawn substantial numbers of new visitors to Scotland, with a focus on exploring our history. Stirling businesses can only benefit from having a new development within the city which is likely to attract history lovers from home and abroad.’
In 2002, he started working for Richard Lochhead MSP, then the SNP Group at Holyrood as an adviser on European, Justice and Business policies. Alyn stood for election first in 2001 in Edinburgh West for Westminster, then again in 2003 for Holyrood, again for Edinburgh West. He was elected to the European Parliament for the first time in 2004 and has been re-elected three times in the SNP victories in the 2009, 2014 and 2019 elections, in 2019 as leading SNP candidate, winning the best ever result for the SNP in a European election.
Alyn subsequently sought and won nomination for the Stirling constituency in order to fight for Scotland in Europe, and won Stirling in the December 2019 Westminster election with 51% of the vote. He pledged at the declaration to represent everyone in Stirling regardless of politics. In the Westminster Parliament, he is the SNP Europe and EU Accession Spokesperson.”
Gene says “ I am very interested in developing Stirling both as a tourist destination and as a great place for residents to live. This project will create an interesting centre-piece around which I’d hope to see riverside walks and activities developed, together with links to other historic sites as well as its role informing people about the Battle Of Stirling Bridge, De Moray & Wallace.“”