You have to be careful about any "facts" concerning William Wallace, most people make the mistake of refering to stories spread by a chap called "blind Harry" written 200 years after Wallace was murdered, his place and date of birth are not know as facts, with several places laying claim to Wallaces birthplace, whilst his family resided in Elderslie no proof exists he was born there, for years people thought his father was called Malcolm, but it was since shown to be Alan, I think its likely then that Wallace would have had an older brother called Alan.

Wallaces capture was about 2 years after his defeat at Falkirk in which time he encouraged other countries to trade with Scotland, indeed a letter written by Wallace still exists.

Regardless of this, Wallace gave his life for a cause he believed in, he probably wasnt a nice man, he was most likely brutal, cruel and unforgiving, indeed he ordered a gallows to be erected in every town. however He belived that it is wrong for one person to dominate and abuse another for their own ends , and he would use all means at his disposal to bring an end to this, a cause that would end in a cruel and agonising death.

In 1314 Robert the Bruce finally achived independance for Scotland, without Wallace showing it was possible to defeat what was the most powerful and deadly army in the world, I dont think Bruce would have attempeted this.

What Wallace fought for 700 years ago is still as relevant today, for every Longshanks there is a Hitler/Saddam/BinLaden/Mugabe. etc. waiting in the wings.