The Petition
A petition calling for the Sir William Wallace Safe Conduct Letter to remain in Scotland has gathered more than 5,000 signatures. Started by David Reid on 7 May 2026, the Change.org campaign addresses the National Records of Scotland as its decision maker.
According to the petition, the safe conduct letter represents "the only major piece of evidence related specifically to William Wallace that remains in Scotland." Campaigners argue that removing the document from Scottish soil would compromise cultural heritage and distance future generations from a tangible connection to Scotland's Wars of Independence.
The petition describes the letter as having been "issued to and marks Wallace's significant role in history, granting him protection under the English crown during a time of great turmoil." Reid, who identifies as Heritage Convener of both the Society of William Wallace and the Society of John De Graeme, has gathered 5,067 verified signatures at the time of writing.
Historical Context
William Wallace, the Scottish knight who became a central figure in the Wars of Scottish Independence, was captured on 5 August 1305 near Glasgow. He was transported to London, tried for treason at Westminster Hall, and executed on 23 August 1305.
According to historical records, letters of safe conduct from Haakon V of Norway, Philip IV of France, and John Balliol were found in Wallace's possession when he was captured. These documents were delivered to King Edward I by John de Segrave. Safe conduct letters of this period served as formal protections granted by monarchs to allow individuals to travel through territories without fear of arrest or harassment.
Wallace had travelled extensively in Europe during the period between his military campaigns in Scotland, seeking diplomatic and military support for the Scottish cause against English occupation.
Local Significance for Stirling
Stirling maintains a unique relationship with William Wallace's legacy. The National Wallace Monument, completed in 1869, stands on Abbey Craig overlooking the city and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Wallace secured his most famous victory against English forces in 1297.
The monument attracts visitors from across Scotland and beyond, serving as a focal point for those seeking to understand Scotland's medieval history. The city itself sits at the historic crossroads of Scottish independence, with Stirling Castle commanding views over the surrounding landscape that once defined the boundary between Scottish and English-controlled territory.
Document Preservation in Scotland
The National Records of Scotland holds millions of historical documents spanning centuries of Scottish history. Its collections include state papers, court records, and private archives that document the nation's political, social, and economic development.
Questions over the location of historically significant documents regularly arise in Scottish heritage debates. Proponents of keeping major Scottish historical artefacts within Scotland argue that proximity enhances educational value and cultural connection. Others note that international loans and shared custody arrangements allow wider public access while ensuring professional preservation standards.
The safe conduct letter, if it does indeed remain the sole major Wallace-related document in Scotland, would carry particular symbolic weight given the scarcity of contemporary documentation relating to the independence hero. Most records from the period survive in English archives, reflecting the ultimate outcome of the Wars of Independence and subsequent centuries of Scottish records being moved to London.
Ongoing Campaign
The petition continues to gather signatures, with supporters voicing concerns about the letter's potential removal. Those wishing to sign can find the campaign on Change.org under the title "Protect the Sir William Wallace Safe Conduct Letter."
The petition calls for "definitive action to ensure the safe conduct letter remains in Scotland" and asks supporters to "preserve our heritage and keep the Sir William Wallace Safe Conduct Letter in Scotland, where it belongs."
The National Records of Scotland has been approached for comment regarding the petition's claims and the current status of the document.
