A MOMENTOUS piece of Scottish history which had its roots firmly in Inverclyde made the journey to its final resting place over the weekend.

A huge piece of the oak tree which Sir William Wallace is said to have been tied to here back in 1305 was taken from its temporary home in Port Glasgow to Hunterston Castle in West Kilbride, where it will now reside permanently.

The section of oak, which is around the size of a large sofa, has been stored in an industrial unit at the Inverclyde Community Development Trust base in Muirshiel Road, Port Glasgow, for the last three years.

Members of the Wallace Oak Project have worked hard to find a home to match the importance of the tree, which sheltered the Scottish knight before his death at the hands of King Edward 1 of England.

A memorial in the grounds of Holy Family Church marks where the tree stood, and features a poem written by local youngster Chei Gallacher.

It was unveiled in October last year.

Local man Cha Halliday, who set up the Wallace Oak Project with the late Sean Donnelly, assisted by friends Stuart Duncan and Neil Lochiel, said the next chapter of the tree's journey began at the ceremony.

Cha said: "We were approached by Clan Hunter Chief, Madam Pauline of Hunterston, who said that the Clan were keen to bring the tree to the castle.

"She invited us up and showed us around and we got to see where the tree would sit.

"It's an amazing place and is perfect for it."

The room is kept at a constant temperature all year round which will help keep the tree in good condition.

Cha said the team had hoped to find a home for the tree in Inverclyde but that wasn't to be.

He added: "We're a wee bit disappointed that we weren't able to keep the tree here in Inverclyde after all our work getting it to this stage.

"We thought we might have been able to secure Newark Castle but that didn't work out.

"It would have been a great feature for Inverclyde and something exciting for cruise passengers to visit.

"But we're so thankful to Clan Hunter for giving it a fitting home."

Cha and the Wallace Oak team have received advice from Historic Environment Scotland on how to preserve the tree.

Around 10 volunteers moved the tree from Port Glasgow to West Kilbride on Saturday morning.

It's hoped that members of Clan Hunter and of the William Wallace Society will be able to view the tree from September.

Cha added: "It's been really emotional but not as poignant as the unveiling.

"This is a great thing for us and for Clan Hunter.

"It's good knowing that we've done something good for local people that's helped preserve Inverclyde's history."