Sir Willam Walace 1270-1312 (Braveheart), the Scottish freedom fighter was born in Elderslie, 4 miles west of Paisley. Wallace Monument The Wallace monument was unveiled on 28th September 1912 by Sir Thomas Coats. Every August the Wallace Day parade with a march from Johnstone town centre to the Monument at Elderslie, where a service takes place. William Wallace was born in Elderslie about 1270. The legend of the Wallace Oak says he avoided capture by hiding more than 90 of his men in the boughs of the giant tree. There were several industries that brought Elderslie prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries, including; Gleniffer distillery, Glenpatrick papermill, Coal mining and Textile manufacturing.... < more >