SCOTTISH TREASURES

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 January 1931, Page 3

SCOTTISH TREASURES

THE SWORD OF WALLACEScottish historic treasures came under the hammer at the sale in Glasgow of effects from Loudoun Castle, Ayrshire, the disposal of which/ was ordered by the trustee fin the sequestration of I lie Count ess of Loudoun’s property. Among the Loudoun heirlooms sold were several of such Scottish national interest that apprehension was expressed lest they should leave the country. They included a sword wielded by Sir William Wallace, and the quill pen with which the Treaty of Union was signed. The latter is the most precious of the Loudoun heirlooms. The Earl of Loudoun in 1707 was Secretary of State, and, as a signatory of the Treaty of Union, he obtained possession of the quill with which that history-making document was signed, and which has ever since remained in Loudoun Castle —in the grounds of which, by

the way, it is said that the Scottish Commissioners discussed the Treaty proposals under the ancient yew tree, now a thousand years old. The sword of William Wallace is one which the Scottish patriot used in many of his battles against England. It was presented to the Loudouns by Wallace’s mother, who was related to the family; and it has hung in the entrance hall of Loudoun Castle ever since. Another relic sold was a chair wfiich James VI. of Scotland used wfien he visited Ayrshire to attend a wedding.