William Wallace betrayal spot in Rutherglen to be marked

The spot where Sir William Wallace was betrayed is to be marked for the first time, in a ceremony next month.

The Old Parish Church in Rutherglen. Picture: Google Maps

Plaques will be erected at the Old Parish Church in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, where the Scottish nobleman Sir John Menteith met with English knight Sir Aymer de Valence to plot Wallace’s capture in 1305.

Valence, the Earl of Pembroke, is said to have persuaded Menteith to betray Wallace for gold, lands and the undying gratitude of the English King Edward I.

A stained glass windown in the Wallace Monument. Picture: TSPL

Wallace was turned over to English soldiers at Robroyston, near Glasgow, on 3 August. He was taken to Dumbarton Castle, where Menteith had been appointed Governor by Edward I, and transported to London to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Menteith later earned the nickname the Fause Menteith – the “false” Menteith – for his part.

The two plaques have been donated by the Society of William Wallace, who hope it will raise greater awareness of the Scottish freedom fighter’s association with the church.

SOWW convener Gary Stewart said: “We’ve wanted to mark the spot for some time, as most people don’t know that’s where Wallace was betrayed. People walk past every day unaware of Wallace’s association with the church.”