Smeaton plays William Wallace

Published on Monday 10 March 2008 09:35

ONE is a Scottish hero famed for his bravery and fighting to protect the freedom of his fellow countrymen – the other is William Wallace.

Now John Smeaton has played the medieval freedom fighter in a video as part of a 100,000 project bringing the tale of the 13th-century patriot to life.

Smeaton donned a kilt and Mel Gibson-inspired wig to play the ghost of Wallace for an Edinburgh Dungeon exhibition (pictured below).

He shot to fame after taking on terrorists who drove a Jeep Cherokee through the front of Glasgow Airport's terminal building. Thousands took part in an internet campaign to pledge a pint to the baggage handler after he told of how he had "set about" the men as they fought with police.

Now he is helping draw visitors to the Market Street attraction, which will use special effects to recreate the atmosphere of a castle from the Middle Ages.

He said: "I was thrilled to be asked to play William Wallace at the Edinburgh Dungeon.

"Wallace is a hero to all Scots and someone whose battling spirit I have always admired.

"He fought for freedom and that's something I strongly believe in. Wallace is famous for fighting off a foreign invader and paid the ultimate price for Scotland.

"When Glasgow Airport was attacked, I was on my break and just did what came naturally to me and tried to help in any way I could. Some people said I was like a William Wallace for the 21st century, which is a huge honour.

"Now I have the chance to tell Wallace's story to hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Scotland – I can't wait to pick up the sword and set about them."

Visitors to the Dungeon will find themselves in a 13th-century castle where interactive effects and live actors will bring Wallace's legend to life.

They will experience the glory of victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, before learning the tragic tale of Wallace's betrayal and his brutal execution in London.

Finally, the spirit of Wallace himself will explain his passion for Scottish freedom and encourages visitors to continue his struggle.

General manager Iain Scouller said: "We're delighted and really excited about bringing the story of William Wallace to life at the Edinburgh Dungeon. We're aiming to give our visitors the feeling that they are really there – in the depths of medieval Scotland."

He added: "John Smeaton proved that Wallace's fighting spirit and beliefs are alive and well in Scotland today and we're delighted to have John portraying one of Scotland's finest sons."

The new William Wallace attraction at Edinburgh Dungeon is scheduled to open in the week leading up to the Easter weekend.