1. Wide shot of Manhattan street
2. Worker uses drill to open up box containing sword
3. Close up of drill
4. Two men in kilts watch
5. Man opens locks on box
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Colin O'Brien, Provost (Mayor), Town of Sterling:
"I am here with the sword because Sterling is taking part in Tartan Week for the first time, and it is a very special year for us. It is the 700th anniversary of the execution of William Wallace, who is a national hero in Scotland. And so the sword is our contribution to Tartan Week."
7. Woman with plastic blue gloves unwraps sword
8. Medium shot of sword, pans up to men in kilts
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Colin O'Brien, Provost (Mayor), Town of Sterling:
"Well it is important because it is the 700th anniversary and Wallace was executed by the English king in 1305 because of what they saw as treason against the English crown, but that also laid the foundation for the development of the modern Scottish state, which followed from that. "
10. Pan of sword from tip of blade to handle
11. Overhead close up of sword handle
12. Overhead pan from tip of blade to handle
13. Men in kilts and tilt down to sword

STORYLINE:

For the first time in more than 700 years, an ancient sword wielded by Scottish rebel leader William Wallace left its homeland to be on display during Tartan Day celebrations in New York City, which begin later this week.

The local governing council of Stirling, Scotland, gave permission earlier this month for the 1.52 metre (5-foot) blade to travel across the Atlantic.

Packed inside a specially made security case, the forged steel sword left Scotland's Glasgow Airport on Wednesday morning.

This year marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Wallace, who led the Scots in their battle to free themselves from English rule.

The sword will be the centrepiece of an exhibition at the New York train station, Grand Central Terminal.

The weapon, which weighs 2.72 kilos (6 pounds), will be returned to its home at Stirling's National Wallace Monument after the celebrations.

Wallace died 700 years ago this August. His sword was kept at Dumbarton Castle for 600 years and in 1505 King James IV is said to have paid for it to be given a new hilt.

It was later moved to the Wallace Monument, overlooking the site of the hero's victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

Wallace's story was brought to the screen by Mel Gibson in the 1995 Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart."


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/9693481781c08e890aa1e8c93d50b8d2
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

Show more