An event paying tribute to one of Scottish history most renowned heroes was held in Aberdeen at the weekend.
People gathered around the statue of William Wallace, between Rosemount Viaduct and Union Terrace, for the annual Wallace Day Commemoration.
The event celebrating the Renfrewshire-born icon, and one-time Guardian of Scotland, is held every year around the anniversary of his death.
Yesterday, John Mackay, the secretary of the Wallace 700 Association, said: “If you organise an external event, you are at the will of the elements, but the weather was kind to us, there was a good, friendly crowd and lots of visitors from abroad.
“There were people from Venezuela and China and North America, it’s gratifying to see.
“He’s an international figure, and it’s great to see these folk who do regard Wallace as an international figure.”
Saturday event was heralded in by the Dean of Aberdeen and Orkney, Canon Emsley Nimmo, followed by an address by Scottish writer and folklorist Margaret Bennett, a recitation of the Declaration of Arbroath and music from the Kintore Pipe Band.
One of Mr Mackay’s highlights was a medley played on the tin whistle by Sorley Fairbairn.
He said the music “was haunting and provocative and sharp”, adding: “It was so moving.”
Last week it was claimed the Wallace 700 group – an Aberdeen-based charity – was denied a grant of £2,500 towards the cost of this year’s event by Aberdeen City Council’s finance, policy and resources committee in May.
SNP members of the committee claimed finance convener Willie Young voted to reject the bid on the grounds they were promoting a Yes vote in the independence referendum.
Mr Young has denied the claims.
The group formed in 2005 to celebrate 700 years since Wallace’s brutal execution – he was hung, drawn and quartered for being a traitor at the Tower of London on August 23, 1305.
Mr Mackay added: “People are taking sides especially this year because of the referendum and we tried to tread that path and it’s difficult, because without Wallace there would be no Scotland.
“He is this iconic figure But on Saturday there were no political badges. The audience were free to do what they like, but the participants abided by our request not to display political badges.”