A sword believed to have been used by William Wallace in battle is back where it belongs after its display case was smashed during a climate protest.

The legendary Wallace Sword, described as an “iconic showpiece”, was removed from the National Wallace Monument to check for damage following an incident in March.

The case was smashed and spray-painted in what Stirling Council branded a “deplorable act of vandalism on one of Scotland’s greatest treasures”.

At the time two, suspects were charged in connection with the incident and were due to appear in court shortly after.

The two-handed blade, which is around 1.68m in length and weighs 3kg, is purported to have belonged to William Wallace and is said to have been used by the Scottish knight at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

Stirling Council, which manages the Wallace Monument, said the sword was not damaged but a new display case had to be built at a cost of £10,000.

The sword returned to the tourist attraction on Thursday.

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Stirling Council leader Chris Kane said: “The Wallace Sword is the iconic showpiece of the National Wallace Monument, celebrated by visitors from every corner of the globe.

“The monument attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year and we were extremely disappointed the sword had to be moved to safe storage as a result of actions outwith our control.”

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Councillor Kane added: “For many visitors, viewing the sword in such revered and spectacular surroundings is the highlight of their visit.

“Stirling is a major tourist destination, recognised internationally for its heritage, historic and vibrant city and fabulous scenery.

“We’re delighted, as we head into the main tourist season, to once again display the sword in all its glory in its natural home.”

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Wallace, who was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the blockbuster 1995 film Braveheart, is a late-13th century warrior who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.

He was hanged, drawn and quartered in 1305 for high treason and crimes against English civilians.

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