The Society of William Wallace is organising the parade which will start from Ludovic Square in Johnstone and finish up at the Wallace monument in Elderslie.

Speakers on the day will include MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Mhairi Black, culture secretary Fiona Hyslop, Nick Brand and Gary Stewart from the Society of William Wallace and 14-year-old Abbey Stewart who is the Young Lions convenor.

Black made reference to Wallace in her maiden speech in the House of Commons last month.

Britain’s youngest MP told fellow parliamentarians: “When I discovered that it is traditional for a new Member to speak about the history and legacy of their constituency in their maiden speech, I decided to do some research, despite the fact that I have lived in mine all my life.

“I am at the tail end of Scottish National Party colleagues making their maiden speeches, and I have noticed that they tend to mention Rabbie Burns a lot.

“In particular, they have tried in their maiden speeches to own him for themselves by claiming some intrinsic connection between him and their constituencies.

“I feel no need to do that, because during my research I discovered a fact that trumps them all: William Wallace was born in my constituency, in Elderslie, which you will be familiar with, Madam Deputy Speaker.

“Beyond the Hollywood film and the historic name, my constituency has a fascinating history, from the mills of Paisley to the industries of Johnstone and the weavers of Kilbarchan.” MSP Fiona Hyslop is expected to speak of her involvement in securing the return of the ‘Safe Conduct’ a letter believed to have been in the possession of William Wallace.

The Wallace letter was held in England since it was discovered in the Tower of London in the 1830s and was recently returned to Scotland in 2012.

William Wallace Society convenor, Gary Stewart insisted that the society “do not get involved with politics”.

He said: “From my point of view the past is important. If you don’t know where you come from how can you go forward?

“I’m 50-years-old and I’ve changed from when I was 18 and to be a country is no different. If you take history away you take the heart and sole of the country away.” Meanwhile, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Academy Award winning film Braveheart which is based on the life of William Wallace.

Members of the William Wallace Society travelled to Trim Castle in Ireland where some of the movie was filmed.

They were delighted to watch a special video message from the film’s director, Mel Gibson, thanking them for being there.

They also watched a screening of the film and saw some of the original cast members including James Robinson who played the young William Wallace.

Gary said: “If it wasn’t for this Hollywood Blockbuster film 75 per cent of us wouldn’t of had a clue who William Wallace was.

“The 20th anniversary will bring William Wallace back to the fore and, to me, that should be marketed.” The parade will take place on Saturday, August 22, and those wishing to participate are asked to meet in Johnstone at 2pm for the march off at 2.30pm.

There will also be a performances by the Tartan Specials, Firey Jack, Ted Christopher and Clan An Drumma from 6pm in Elderslie Village Hall.

Tickets to the evening event are priced at £12.50 and can be purchased at the door.