Modern Wallace Medium Weight Tartan. In the 12th century Richard
Wallace obtained lands at Riccarton, Ayrshire, and his son,
Henry, later acquired lands in Renfrewshire. From Henry
descended Sir Malcolm Wallace of Elderslie who was the father of
Sir William Wallace, the Scottish Patriot. The Wallaces refused
to do homage to Edward I of England and Sir William, who led a
band of patriots, harried the English, and his constant raids on
their fortresses made them hate and fear him. His bravery and
leadership inspired others to support his struggle for Scottish
independence. He was betrayed to the English and taken to
London, where he was executed in 1305.