Braveheart Auctions has donated the half-acre plot in the Highlands to the star – with the only clause that he joins staff for a “dram and a cold dip”.
Braveheart’s Mel Gibson
Actor Mel Gibson has been gifted a plot of land at the foot of Ben Nevis on the approach to the 31st anniversary of Braveheart.
Edinburgh-based Braveheart Auctions has donated the half-acre plot in the Highlands to the star – with the only clause that he joins staff for a “dram and a cold dip”. Gibson’s epic film about freedom fighter William Wallace scooped five Oscars since its release in 1995, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Proud Scots continue to celebrate the film more than three decades on from its premier at the University of Stirling’s Macrobert Theatre.
The plot of land at the foot of Ben Nevis(Image: Braveheart Auctions )
Daniel Walls, director at Braveheart Auctions, told the Record: “We’re Mel Gibson’s biggest fan. I was actually an extra in Braveheart and I’m from the local area. It feels fitting and euphoric to donate Mel a plot of land that’s right at the foot of Ben Nevis.
“The only condition we have for him is that he joins us for a cold dip swim and has a glass of Braveheart whisky with us.”
Gibson isn’t yet aware of the gift, however, Mr Walls hopes he will see the invitation via the Daily Record.
Auction house director Daniel has invited Gibson for a dram and a cold water swim(Image: Braveheart Auctions)
He continued: “I’d like to extend the invite to Mel via Scotland’s best paper, the Daily Record. There is no better way to appeal to him than via the number one newspaper in Scotland.
“The land is totally free for him, gifted to him by us. We named our auction house after the film – be brave and follow your heart.
“It would be a pleasure for us to donate this land to him.”
Actor Mel Gibson(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Walls said: “He can keep the land or sell it, whatever he choses to do, we don’t mind. We only ask that if he decides to sell the plot, that all funds go towards causes to help MND.”
Braveheart’s director and lead actor Gibson, 70, attended the premiere on September 3, 1995, at Stirling Castle along with other actors, while thousands lined the city’s streets. The film continues to provide a major economic boost to Scotland thanks to tourists keen to find out more about Wallace and Scottish herritage.
Prior to the film, there were 80,000 annual visitors to the National Wallace Monument. From 1996 to 2005, the annual figure surged to 135,000. Last year, around 133,297 people visited the Monument, which was closed for a month for maintenance.
Braveheart is the top film referenced by tourists as the reason behind their visit along with the TV series Outlander. Born in the 13th century, Wallace became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
Captured in 1305, Wallace was executed in London. He remains a symbol of Scottish resistance and national pride. Filmed in Scotland and Ireland, Braveheart was inspired by battle films from the 1960s including Spartacus and El Cid.
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