A STUDY by experts from Durham University has reinforced claims that William Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland in Selkirk.

A geophysics study of the Auld Kirk has uncovered what appears to be the underground remains of the medieval forest kirk.

Historians have claimed for years that it was within the confides of the Kirk Wynd yard where Wallace was knighted in the weeks following the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Counter claims that the 1297 Guardian of Scotland ceremony took place in the forest kirk of Carluke have led to disagreement within historians' circles.

But this most recent geophysics study by the University of Durham has strengthened the argument in Selkirk's favour.

Scottish Borders Council’s archaeologist Dr Chris Bowles, who commissioned the survey, told the Border Telegraph: “Ruins of the Auld Kirk date from the 18th century, but we knew this had replaced earlier churches on site from the 12th and 16th centuries.

"It has been widely acknowledged that this was the site of the Kirk of the Forest where Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland following his and Andrew Moray’s defeat of the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

“We had been expecting the geophysics survey to uncover a 16th century church that we know to have existed and which was a replacement to the medieval church, but the only evidence in the survey is in relation to the medieval church.

“The association between Wallace and the local area is quite well documented, with Wallace using guerilla tactics to fight the English from the Ettrick Forest, and the Scottish nobles made Wallace Guardian of Scotland in recognition of his military successes.

"Wallace went on to become the legendary figure he remains today.”

Little is known of Wallace's life before 1297.

In 1296 Scotland had been conquered with many Scots nobles imprisoned by King Edward I.

The flames of revolt spread across the country and in May 1297 Wallace slew William Heselrig, the English Sheriff of Lanark.

From his base in the Ettrick Forest, Wallace's followers struck at Scone, Ancrum and Dundee against the English invaders.

In the Highlands Andrew Murray led an even more successful rising.

On September 11, 1297 Wallace and Murray achieved a stunning victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

The English left with 5,000 dead on the field.

Andrew Murray was badly wounded during the battle and died two months later.

Wallace was knighted and made Guardian of Scotland in Balliol's name at the forest kirk.

Dr Bowles hopes that further research can be carried out to further enhance Selkirk's Wallace connection.

Chris added: “The history of Selkirk is known to an extent, but there has been little archaeological work carried out to date.

"While these geophysics results suggest a medieval, possibly Norman, chapel beneath the later church, we are very restricted by the burials in the area to allow any excavation.

"But in the future it may be possible to conduct limited investigations in areas where there is no evidence of burial.”

The recent study was commissioned in conjunction with the Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Project manager Colin Gilmour told us: “There is nothing in the town currently signposting people to the Auld Kirk site, but with this latest discovery it could become a major attraction and assist with the regeneration of the town centre.

"We hope to work with the community to make the most of this fascinating discovery and the tourism potential it has.”

Scottish Borders Council also wants the Wallace connection to be celebrated.

Councillor Ron Smith added: “This is a fascinating discovery and further strengthens the links between William Wallace and Selkirk. Working with the community, we hope to be able to make the most of this discovery.

“Thanks to the geophysical study of the site we can almost pinpoint where Wallace would have stood when he was made Guardian of Scotland.

"I hope it will be possible to install information and interpretation boards for visitors. This discovery adds to the historic attraction of Selkirk, and of the Borders as a whole, and will surely draw in even more visitors."