MEL OF

Three decades after Mel Gibson's Oscar winning William Wallace epic put Stirling on the map, the city continues to reap benefits

- BY JOHN DINGWALL

MEL Gibson has described it as the "toughest movie I ever had to make".

And 30 years after Braveheart became a global blockbuster, the film is still working its magic around the battlefield where William Wallace fought for "freedom".

The anniversary will be celebrated with a series of events and the launch of plans for a new film studio in Stirling.

Gibson's epic film about Wallace earned five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and grossed almost £200million at the box office.

Three decades after the movie premiered on September 3, 1995, at the University of Stirling's Macrobert Theatre, the boost to Scotland's tourism is still being felt.

Stirling Council Leader Gerry McGarvey said: "It's astonishing, that 30 years on, Braveheart remains a key driver for visitor numbers to the National Wallace Monument, Stirling and Scotland.

"As we celebrate this milestone, it's fitting that we are progressing with the exciting and transformational Stirling Studios project.

"This means in the future we will be able to host high-end productions such as Braveheart here in Stirling, delivering significant economic benefits in another key sector of the Scottish economy."