EXPERTS believe the discovery in Port Glasgow of a tree linked to William Wallace could be a ‘major archaeological find’.

Officials from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) recently met with a group of Inverclyde enthusiasts who have been digging into the local legend.

Cha Halliday, Sean Donnelly and Stuart Duncan rediscovered the last remaining pieces of trunk, which Wallace was said to have been chained to following his capture by the English in 1305, three years ago.

Ever since then they have being trying to authenticate them with a view to creating a permanent memorial in the Port.

Earlier this year, leading scientist Dr Coralie Mills dated the tree back to at least the 1700s but said that it could be even older, adding that she ‘cannot refute the Wallace tradition’.

In light of the findings, a group including Cha, Sean and Stuart recently travelled through to Edinburgh to meet with representatives from HES to decide what’s next for the famous old tree.

They have also been in contact with another tree specialist and the feedback so far has been very promising.

Cha said: “Our visit to Historic Environment Scotland was great.

“They seemed impressed – and by the newspaper coverage we have had.

“The expert suggested he carry out a site visit and do a full report.

“Once he submits his report, we will arrange another meeting again up in Edinburgh.

“He mentioned the tree may have to be moved to a specialist organisation in Edinburgh to be preserved and we should treat it like a major archaeological find, he was very excited.”

The tree was recently moved from its resting place of 22 years on a strip of land formerly used by the Gourock Ropeworks, just behind the Port Lidl store.

Cha, Sean and Stuart hope to some day have the tree restored and put on display at its original home in the grounds of Holy Family Church or in Newark Castle.

In the meantime they are looking to gather as much information as they can about it, including any photos of newlyweds who often had their wedding pictures taken next to it.

Cha said: “Our aims are still the same – we would like it saved and on show in Port Glasgow and have something put in place in the church yard and have it added to the Inverclyde coastal trail to maybe catch some of the cruise ship passengers.

“If anyone can help with pictures of the tree that would be amazing.

“We are planning storyboards and maybe some sort of interactive display when it finally gets a permanent site.” People can get in touch by emailing cha_63_2000@yahoo.co.uk, se65an@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/inthefootstepsofwilliamwallace or contact the Tele newsroom on 558980.