The legendary weapon, on exhibit within The National Wallace Monument in Stirling, appeared to be targeted by This Is Rigged campaigners on Thursday.

The case was smashed and spray-painted in what Stirling Council branded a "deplorable act of vandalism on one of Scotland's greatest treasures".

In a post, the activist group said: "We demand the Scottish government vocally oppose all new fossil fuel projects in Scotland and create a clear transition plan for oil workers."

The group claimed that suffragettes stood in that very spot 111 years ago to stand up for their rights and freedom and "600 years before William Wallace defended our freedom with this very sword".

The group added: "Now it is time for us to stand up for ourselves too."

This Is Rigged said it will continue in "civil resistance" until its demands are met to help create a "fair and just Scotland".

The two-handed blade, which is around 5ft 4in in length, is purported to have belonged to William Wallace and is said to have been used by the Scottish knight at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

Stirling Council, which manages the Wallace Monument, said the sword is now undergoing a damage assessment.

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A spokesperson for the local authority said: "Stirling Council condemns the deplorable act of vandalism on one of Scotland's greatest treasures that took place at the National Wallace Monument yesterday.

"Staff responded in line with security protocols and police were called to deal with the shameful incident. The monument was closed for a short period of time to make the area safe and has now reopened.

"We are currently assessing whether there is any damage to the historic Wallace Sword and the cost of repairs. Sadly, as a result of this outrageous defacement, visitors will be denied the opportunity to see this Scottish cultural icon for a number of weeks."

A man and a woman have been charged in connection with the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of damage to a glass case at the Wallace Monument, Hillfoots Road, Stirling, around noon on Thursday 2 March 2023.

"Officers attended and a 29-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection."

The pair are due to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Friday.