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The Herald Scotland
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Braveheart at 30: Enduring classic or masterclass in Scottish cringe?
I was juggling a clutch of part-time jobs to save up money and, let's be honest, the only battle most teenagers cared about that year was the Battle of Britpop: Blur vs Oasis. I remember the workies and lorry drivers, who came into the greasy spoon transport cafe where I flipped burgers and served fried egg rolls, having heated discussions about Braveheart's inaccuracies and debating the thorny subject of Scottish independence. Read more They opened rolled-up copies of the tabloid newspapers, like a town crier unfurling a scroll, jabbing calloused fingers at headlines about the movie. There was, quite rightly, much teeth-gnashing about Braveheart being shot largely in Ireland rather than Scotland. None of these conversations particularly made me want to part with my hard-earned cash to see it on the big screen. I recall my parents going to the local cinema and raving afterwards about how much they enjoyed it. In subsequent years, Braveheart became my mum's 'ironing film', one that she would stick on to watch while working her way through a towering basket of clothes and linens. At two hours and 58 minutes in length, she usually had time to rustle up a few freezer meals and stick a couple of loads in the washing machine too. For those unfamiliar with the premise, Braveheart – according to the succinct blurb on Disney+ – promises 'romance, intrigue, heroism and the desperate battle for nothing less than the freedom of Scotland'. Catherine McCormack and Mel Gibson (Image: Twentieth Century Fox) Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the Oscar-winning flick is based – loosely – on the life of William Wallace who, in the late 13th and early 14th centuries helped lead the First War of Scottish Independence. The world premiere of Braveheart took place at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 18, 1995. Yet, it wasn't until almost four months later that Scottish audiences finally got to see it, with a star-studded screening in Stirling on September 3 and the official UK release five days later. Unsurprisingly, this interim period allowed for much feverish excitement to build on this side of the Atlantic. The hyperbole was almost unprecedented. Some hailed it an instant classic, others shuddered at the twee depiction of Scottish history. Which camp do I fall into? Thirty years later it is finally time to find out. Gird your loins… ***Warning: spoilers for Braveheart follow*** INAUSPICIOUS BEGINNINGS Things don't get off to a great start. The early scenes are a tedious watch. Slower than a week in the jail. And not just the first 10 minutes – the entire opening hour. Every hero needs an origin story: a timely recap of the watershed events that shaped our leading man. Instead, the unwitting viewer is held hostage to a rambling and onerous odyssey that makes Tolstoy's War and Peace seem like a concise novella. WHERE ARE YOU FAE? The mismatched accents among the cast and characters showcase a smorgasbord of dialects – both real and imaginary. Wallace's father has a definite Dublin brogue, while the young version of his son is broad Glaswegian. Then, when Gibson appears as the older William Wallace, his Scots twang is far softer, like he's spent years working in a call centre and diluted his dulcet tones in order to be understood by folks down south. To give US-born, Australia-raised Gibson his due, it is a passable effort and far from the worst Scottish accent caught on celluloid – we certainly aren't talking the heinous levels of Christopher Lambert in Highlander. Braveheart has a stramash of accents (Image: 20th Century Fox) PRODUCTION VALUES The rolling mist looks a bit rubbish at times, like dry ice piped onto the dancefloor of Clatty Pats in Glasgow. The costume department, meanwhile, utilises more crushed velvet for regal tunics, gowns and cloaks than a millennial living room with a Live, Laugh, Love sign on the wall. Gibson's hair serves as a barometer for Wallace's growing anger and thirst for vengeance. It gets frizzier and more bouffant as the film progresses, eventually resembling that of a 1980s glam metal band frontman – think Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Poison – after a five-day bender. The good news: I can actually see what's going on. Unlike the recent fashion for gloomy ambiance, where peering at the TV is like perusing a paint chart of murky greys – a la Game of Thrones or The Handmaid's Tale – Braveheart, despite the grain of analogue, is joyfully well-lit. Also, the haunting and evocative tune A Gift of a Thistle from the movie soundtrack by James Horner, would bring a tear to a glass eye. QUOTABLE DIALOGUE The famed speech given by Wallace at Stirling in Braveheart is rousing stuff, as he rallies the 'sons of Scotland' to stand up 'in defiance of tyranny'. Capping it off with the now immortal battle cry: 'They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.' The film is peppered with canny one-liners. Among them King Edward I, aka Longshanks, telling his inner court: 'The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots.' A sentence that astutely captures the stance taken by many adversaries of a similar ilk throughout the centuries. Another gem I would love to see emblazoned on a coffee mug, keyring or slogan T-shirt is Wallace's quip: 'I never lie. But I am a savage.' And not to forget his other profound utterance: 'Every man dies, not every man really lives.' HISTORICAL INACCURACIES Enough of the pleasantries, let's get down to brass tacks. I'm usually pretty good at suspending my disbelief when it comes to daft twists and tropes. I will cheerily gloss over geographical blunders, gaping plot holes and cringeworthy continuity errors. Being able to enjoy a story solely for its entertainment merits is a gift. Albeit, sadly, one that swiftly abandoned me while watching Braveheart. Having fun with artistic licence is one thing – you can't beat a whimsical, outlandish tale – but cherry-picking historical detail and presenting it in a way that is so far removed from reality that it becomes a grotesque caricature? Umm, that's a hard pass from me. Braveheart peddles a narrative that is contradictory, vexing and downright infuriating. This has been well documented. I'm not imparting anything new here. Yet, it still rankles. Not least, the trite suggestion that one of Wallace's prime motivations for pursuing independence and opposing English rule is avenging the murder of his wife. HOWLERS GALORE The Battle of Stirling Bridge is crucially missing a bridge. An element which, in the real-life conflict of 1297, was key to securing a Scottish victory by providing a strategic chokepoint to ambush English forces. Instead, we see Braveheart's portrayal play out against a backdrop of The Curragh, a flat, open plain in County Kildare, Ireland – more reminiscent of The Carse of Stirling, where Robert the Bruce triumphed some 17 years later at the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn. MY BIGGEST GRIPE There is a pivotal encounter between Wallace and Bruce in Braveheart, which comes after the former believes he has forged a strong bond and alliance with the latter. Edward Longshanks rocks up to the 1298 Battle of Falkirk accompanied by a band of loyal lackeys. Among them, a knight whose identity is concealed by a large metal helmet – giving big vibes of sci-fi parody character and novelty political candidate Lord Buckethead. As the king and his entourage depart, Wallace sets off in pursuit. The mysterious knight turns back to confront Wallace. In the ensuing skirmish, Wallace pulls off his opponent's helmet and, in a hammy moment akin to a Scooby-Doo villain being unmasked, we learn that it is Bruce. I could imagine gasps of shock in cinemas at this juncture. I certainly let out a howl of outraged indignation. Yes, Bruce did ally with the English when it best suited his own cause, but he was never recorded as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Longshanks at Falkirk. To suggest so, even in the most florid embellishments of Hollywood fiction, feels a colossal slight to Bruce as a major Scots hero. And, as much as I wanted to see beyond the myriad flaws and foibles of Braveheart, this, for me, was the straw that broke the camel's back. THE VERDICT Flashes of brilliance, some killer lines, however, far too many liberties taken with important Scottish history. It will likely be another 30 years before I watch it again.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Hidden gem Scottish loch once witnessed brutal battle for country's independence
The hidden gem is a small but stunning Lowlands loch hidden in the Galloway Hills Tucked away in the heart of the Galloway Hills, Loch Trool might not have the fame of its Highland cousins, but it's every bit as breathtaking. This narrow stretch of water in Dumfries and Galloway is a hidden gem of the Lowlands, and for those in the know, it's one of Scotland's best-kept secrets. Just eight miles from Newton Stewart, the loch sits in the Southern Uplands, flanked by rugged hills and thick forest. At only 400 metres wide and 1.5 miles long, it may be modest in size, but its appeal is anything but small, Scottish Daily Express reports. Visitors can enjoy a 5.5-mile circular walk that takes around three hours to complete, winding through ancient woodland, along hillside tracks, and beside peaceful shores. The route is part of the Southern Upland Way and offers picture-perfect views from start to finish. Online reviews paint the loch as a peaceful haven. One walker on TripAdvisor described it as an 'amazing place to go for a walk or to camp out. Beautiful views, free car park, relaxing time, good sleep in wild.' Others have called the scenery 'stunning' and 'breathtaking'. But Loch Trool isn't just a treat for the eyes, it's also a stargazer's dream. Set within Galloway Forest Park, a designated Dark Sky Park, the loch is said to lie in the darkest area of the UK, according to Wikipedia. It's a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts, so if you do plan a visit after sunset, bring a powerful torch to help you find your way. The loch's atmosphere is made all the more striking by its historical significance. It was here, on the banks of Loch Trool, that Robert the Bruce staged a daring ambush against English forces during the First War of Scottish Independence. In April 1307, Bruce and his band of 300 men took on 1,500 English cavalry under the command of the Earl of Pembroke. Using the narrow path along the water's edge, Bruce's forces dealt heavy damage. It was a turning point in Bruce's campaign and a prelude to his first major victory at the Battle of Loudon Hill just weeks later. Today, the events are commemorated with Bruce's Stone, a massive granite boulder perched on a hill overlooking the north shore. It marks not only a moment of triumph, but a place where history and nature meet in spectacular fashion. How to get there: From Newton Stewart, take the A714 heading north towards Girvan. At Bargrennan, turn right for Glentrool village and follow signs to the Glen Trool visitor centre. Continue past the centre for about 3km and take the first tarred road on your right. This leads to a car park just before a small bridge, your starting point for the walk. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Route highlights: Begin at the car park and follow green waymarkers leading onto the Southern Upland Way. You'll pass Caldons House and remnants of the ancient woodlands that once filled Glen Trool. The trail then climbs through dense conifers on the loch's steep southern side. At the loch's head, cross a bridge and leave the Southern Upland Way to follow the quieter northern shore, meandering through Buchan and Glenhead woods. A short detour will take you to Bruce's Stone before the route loops back to your starting point, making for a rewarding and memorable day out.
The National
25-04-2025
- General
- The National
Historic 300-year-old silver coin found in Midlothian
The coin, a James II shilling, was found in a field in Roslin by Jaroslaw Musialkowski and dates back to 1690. According to Musialkowski, who is a history enthusiast, the coin could have been issued as payment for the war in Ireland, also known as the Williamite War, and could be exchanged for silver. READ MORE: Historic ruling paves way for first forced private land sale to community in Scotland Musialkowski, originally from Poland but who now lives in Scotland, was presented with a certificate from Treasure Trove verifying his find from the Bronze Age. (Image: Jaroslaw Musialkowski) The amateur historian is no stranger to unearthing historical artefacts, as he found a haul of silver coins buried on the site of the Battle of Roslin back in 2019. The coins were discovered hidden beneath a tree and were believed to be in connection with the 1303 battle, and may have been payment for mercenaries fighting in the First War of Scottish Independence. Returning to Roslin, Musialkowski said his find was 'not a common coin nor scarce one, but still a truly amazing find". He added: 'Most people don't even realise, but Roslin is an outstanding place. 'There are treasures hidden and lost, from the English army wages in 1303 worth today in the region of eight to nine digits in cash for completing The Rosslyn Chapel.' (Image: Jaroslaw Musialkowski) Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of Saint Matthew, was built in the 15th century and is located in the village. The chapel was founded by William Sinclair, the first Earl of Caithness, with a ground-breaking ceremony in 1456. The Sinclair family were a vastly wealthy and influential family in Scotland during the medieval period, and there have been several archaeological findings in Roslin linked to the family, including pottery, silver coins and skeletal remains.
The National
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP urged to end 'shameful' delay on Bannockburn race track decision
The contentious plans to develop on the site of the historic battle – where Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward II of England in a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence – were approved by Stirling Council in July 2024. However, the application was 'called in' by SNP ministers the following month, in response to calls from campaigners, top historians and the National Trust for Scotland. The proposed site is around 8.7 hectares and is currently greenfield agricultural land opposite the NTS Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre. READ MORE: Bannockburn battlefield race track plans labelled 'fatally flawed' by NTS The proposals, lodged by Mr H Muirhead of the Scottish Harness Racing Club, include the creation of a trotting track surface and a single storey building that would house toilets, a bar and provide hot takeaway food. Competitor and spectator vehicular paths/footpaths would also be built as well as parking areas. Although the fields marked for the development do not fall within the land cared for by NTS, they are within the known boundaries of the 1314 conflict and the organisation has described the fields as 'integral' to the experience of visitors who come to learn about the battle. Archaeologist and TV presenter Tony Pollard previously said that the positions taken by the Scottish army at the opening of the battle on 23 June 1314 were on the application site, which may also be where Robert the Bruce defeated English knight Henry de Bohun in single combat. After taking control over the application, the Scottish Government noted in a letter filed by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) that there were concerns around the 'potential impact on [a] designated battlefield of national significance'. A statue of Robert the Bruce at the site of the Bannockburn battlefield (Image: Archive) On January 16, the DPEA confirmed that the application was being considered by Ministers. This step would ordinarily only take place after a planning reporter has filed a report outlining the case and their opinion on whether it should be approved. But now, more than three months since SNP ministers began deliberations, no word has yet been forthcoming on whether they will approve the plans. The National understands that stakeholders have heard nothing from Government on the progress of the decision. A spokesperson for the NTS said they hoped to hear movement 'soon'. "The National Trust for Scotland is very pleased that Scottish Ministers listened to our request to call in this damaging and unsuitable development proposal for determination,' they said. READ MORE: Ministers 'must throw out Bannockburn horse-racing track plans now' 'Along with many others, including the local community, we strongly believe that this development should not be allowed to proceed and desecrate one of Scotland's most significant heritage sites. 'We are keen to hear the outcome and hope there will be positive news soon." Sean Clerkin, a well-known Scottish activist who has campaigned against the Bannockburn trotting track proposals from the outset, said it was an 'an insult to the independence movement in Scotland that our most cherished historical battle site at Bannockburn is still threatened with the disgraceful proposed development of a race trotting track after all this time'. He went on: 'The Scottish Government should have turned down this proposal long ago as the Battle of Bannockburn is the birthplace of the nation state of Scotland as we know it today. 'It is shameful that no final decision has been made known to the people of Scotland.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Ministers are considering the planning application and will make a decision as soon as possible.' It comes amid a much longer wait for a decision on an application to develop a new fish farm in Loch Long, which SNP ministers have had on their desks since February 2024. On Thursday, First Minister John Swinney defended the length of the wait, saying the Government needed 'adequate space' to consider all of the issues at play.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oscar-winning epic praised for its 'incredible action sequence' is on TV tonight
An Oscar-winning epic lauded for its spectacular action sequences will be on TV tonight (Thursday, April 3). Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson, was released back in 1995 and tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film also stars Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Brendan Gleeson, Angus McFadyen, Brian Cox and James Cosmo. READ MORE: Prisoner governor accused of relationship with drug dealing boss sobs as she says "I was incredibly stupid" READ MORE: Forensics at scene after man found with stab wounds and rushed to hospital The story is inspired by Blind Harry's 15th-century epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace. The film tells the story of Wallace, who lead a rebellion against the King in the late 13th century. Despite early successes, Wallace faces betrayal and the brutal forces of the English army. He is eventually captured, tortured and executed by the English and, in his final moments, shouts "freedom". Directed and produced by Gibson, the film which had a budget of around $50m-$70m, was a huge box office and commercial success. It was also lauded-over by the critics and was nominated for ten Oscars at the 68th Acaemdy Awards. The film picked up five awards, including for Best Picture and Best Director. With a 76% rating on Rotton Tomatoes, the film also scored favourable reviews with a lot of critics - both at the time and more recently. Awards Daily describes Braveheart as: "A huge film with incredible action sequences, an emotional love story, and a few technical wonders." Jay Carr at the Boston Globe said of the film: "Braveheart is a big, strapping medieval sword-and-arrow movie with more fighting than romance, a surprising abundance of lush and sensuous imagery considering its brutal strife, and Gibson fiercely inciting it to stand up and march." However, not all reviewers were glowing with some critics taking issue with the 178 minute runtime and historical inaccuracies. Alex von Tunzelmann of The Guardian wrote in 2008: "Seemingly intended as a piece of anti-English propaganda, Braveheart offers an even greater insult to Scotland by making a total pig's ear of its heritage." Braveheart is on Film4 on Thursday, April 3, at 9pm.
