The National Wallace Monument in Stirling has set up its first festive gift range, giving visitors an unexpected Christmas shopping opportunity when they visit the historic monument.
As part of the festive pop-up, the top Scottish tourist attraction will be offering up a variety of new gift ideas, featuring over 30 locally sourced items from Scottish designers and brands.
Handcrafted glass Christmas baubles from Bridge of Allan glassblower and craftsman Tom Young, have been specially designed and produced for sale at the Monument Christmas shop. Each expertly hand blown glass bauble comes individually finished with a unique quote sealed inside, including a couple of famous lines from the blockbuster movie Braveheart.
Taking up glassblowing as a teenager, Tom has worked throughout industrial and chemical glass laboratories until his creative side took over and he began designing glass using a bench flame torch. His commissions include glass pieces for high profile figures and companies all over the world. Tom was recently was honoured by a lifetime achievement award from Stirling Provost Mike Robbins for his contribution to Arts and Culture in Stirling.
Speaking about the Braveheart inspired design the master glassblower and craftsman said: “By creating glass designs in Central Scotland I am inspired by what is around me – with previous work taking inspiration from golf and whisky. The Braveheart Christmas baubles are no different, I was inspired by another famous Scottish export – William Wallace.”Other new items include Dunoon Pottery Christmas Mugs, Harris Tweed Stag Heads and Karen Lyden Christmas Jewellery, meaning the Christmas shop is bursting with gift ideas for friends and family in the UK and around the world.
Carol McIntyre from Stirling District Tourism, the charity that runs the National Wallace Monument, said: “Our gifts and souvenirs are often snapped up by visitors at this time of year to send to loved ones around the world so this year we wanted to bring some extra Christmas cheer to our gift shop. What better way than filling it with fantastic, locally sourced gifts and handcrafted Christmas decorations?”
Visitors can explore the magnificent Monument itself where Wallace’s life and legacy is told in three galleries, one of which features his legendary battle sword. An impressive 246 steps can be climbed to the Crown of the Monument where breathtaking 360-degree view of central Scotland and the Highlands to the north.A top visitor attraction, The National Wallace Monument also features the family-friendly Legends Coffee House and free onsite car parking.