A MEMBERSHIP programme for the National Wallace Monument has received the backing of the hero's namesake.

Mr William Wallace, from Mount Melville, St Andrews, becomes one of the first friends of Stirling’s famous landmark, and joins the scheme which gives visitors the opportunity to pay admission once and enjoy visiting as many times as they wish over the next 12 months. 

Relying on public admission fees to maintain and operate The National Wallace Monument, Stirling District Tourism will also be able to reclaim 25p on every £1 that is spent via the membership programme at no extra cost to the visitor, when UK tax payers choose to Gift Aid their membership. 

Mr Wallace said: “I am proud to share a name with a Scottish icon and to be invited to become a member of the important landmark.  I have regularly visited The National Wallace Monument over the years with family and friends and look forward to many more visits!” 

All income generated is re-invested into the attraction and its facilities for the enjoyment of all visitors who comes to discover the story of Scotland’s National Hero.

The new membership scheme has been introduced specifically to encourage regular visitors to come to the historic monument more often, and to bring their friends and family.

Ken Thomson, The National Wallace Monument marketing manager, added: “Giving our visitors the opportunity to visit as many times as they like throughout the year with just one entry fee is our way of saying thank you for all of the support we’ve received over the years.

“It’s an exciting time for us right now as we make plans for investment and improvements at the National Wallace Monument.”

Visitors can follow the "Wallace Way" up to the 220ft tower and discover more about Stirling’s fascinating history, told through a collection of exciting woodcarvings. 

In the Monument itself they can trace the story of Wallace’s life and legacy in three galleries, one of which features his legendary battle sword. 

On the third-floor visitors are able to discover the facts and figures behind the building of the Victorian tower and children can build their own miniature version of the Monument before reaching the Crown – which offers breath-taking 360-degree views across central Scotland.

A top visitor attraction, The National Wallace Monument also features the family-friendly Legends Coffee House and free onsite car parking.