On our way from Edinburgh to Arrochar we stopped in Stirling to see the Castle (Stirling Castle, that is) and the Wallace Monument.  Just thought I'd include a picture of William Wallace's real sword... notice it looks nothing like the sword from the movie Braveheart!  After Wallace was captured in 1305 he was imprisoned at Dumbarton Castle by it's Governor, Sir John Menteith, until his execution.  The sword was kept at Dumbarton Castle as a "prize".  The sword remained there for 600 years until it was transferred to the National Wallace Monument in 1888.   The sword has been "liberated" a few times in it's life, but was always found or returned thankfully.  It weighs about 6.5 pounds and the blade is original.  The hilt and pommel were replaced in 1505 by a blacksmith under King James IV.  The leather grip was replaced more recently in 1825 at the Tower of London where it was sent for repair.  The blade measures 3 feet 4 inches, but at one time measured about a foot longer!  This difference in length is due to repairs (fracture and re-welding).  William Wallace must have been a very large individual to carry (much less use) such a weapon.  Even by today's standards, he would have been considered somewhat of a giant!