First Steps in Wallace Monument enhancement works now complete

The first part of works to enhance the grounds of the Wallace Monument in Elderslie to improve the visitor experience are now complete.

The works, which represent a significant investment in the site by Renfrewshire Council, included improvements to the surrounding landscape, enhancements to biodiversity and repairs and improvements to monument interpretation pillars, access steps and railings.

The proposals to improve the setting of the monument were developed by the Council in collaboration with local stakeholders, including Elderslie Community Council and The Wallace Society.

The monument to Scotland’s national hero was erected on the traditional site of his home in Elderslie to celebrate the Knight of Elderslie and Guardian of Scotland.

The main aim of the project is to enhance the visitor experience of the site as a key tourist destination, aligning with Renfrewshire’s Tourism Plan. One of the main focus areas of the plan is to build on the area’s outdoor visitor experience and increase local and community tourism.

Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Board, Councillor Andy Steel, said: “I’m pleased to see the improvements made to the setting of the Wallace Monument. These initial steps not only celebrate this important structure and Scotland’s national hero but serve to build on the area’s outdoor visitor experience and increase community tourism by encouraging residents to be visitors in their own area. 

“By working collaboratively with local stakeholders and The Society of William Wallace on what improvements should be made to the site, we have aimed to create a space that is far more attractive both to visitors and the community.

“At the moment finding funding is far from easy, but community groups and the council will keep talking to see what steps should be taken next – I think everyone feels there’s plenty more which could be done.”

The landscaping improvements included new shrub and bulb planting, tree works, areas of wildflower meadow planting to support local biodiversity and more formal grass areas as a space for local community events.

Enhancements also included repairs to interpretation pillars, existing stepped access from Wallace Avenue and refurbishment of protective railings around the Wallace Yew. 

Works to refurbish the Wallace Monument were delivered with support from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.