William Wallace Heritage Trust
His Pain
This cave had been chosen as a suitable rendezvous because it was extremely difficult to locate and could only be approached from two directions and even then, only by men approaching in single file. This cave could be defended easily against a pursuing column by a single sentry! The cave was large enough to accommodate Wallace’s small group who would await any additional supporters who would follow and, of course, Marion! The intention was to regroup at this cave and then to continue upriver and across country for a few miles to the farm of Marion’s father. There, they could rest and recover before disappearing into the vast expanse of the Ettrick Forest covering all of Scotland’s Southern Uplands.
But, as another Scot inspired by Wallace would observe in years to come; “The best laid plans o’ mice an’ men, gang aft agley!” Wallace and his band fled no further than they already had! While waiting for Marion, additional of Wallace’s supporters arrived in ones and twos and with them came the news of Marion’s horrendous murder! Wallace, in his rage and grief, became cold and calm and calculating! Whether Marion had died by the English Sheriff Hazelrig’s hand or on his orders, Wallace knew not – but he did avow that Hazelrig would perish that very night.
