After weeks of build-up, Scotland ultimately voted to retain its 307-year-old union with the United Kingdom during the Scottish independence referendum on Sept. 18. Today is a day for those who supported the union to rejoice and for those who wanted independence to realize that things in Scotland will probably stay the same.
But even those not involved in the campaigns had an opinion on the outcome. Like with most major news events these days, people took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the Scottish independence referendum. And they did so with one of the most famous Scots in history: William Wallace.
Twitter users inundated the social network with memes of the well-known Scotsman, not the real William Wallace, but the one Mel Gibson portrayed in Braveheart. Oh yes, the character who famously spoke the words, "They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom" became a trending topic on Twitter today.
Even though he's been dead for more than 700 years, Wallace seemingly criticized Scotland by proxy for having their independence taken from them.
William Wallace version S.XXI pic.twitter.com/BV8AL7Gvfr
— Hernan M (@HMagarinos) September 19, 2014
“WHAT. THE. F#$%!!!!!!!” -Ghost of William Wallace — Batriarchy (@PatrioticBatman) September 19, 2014
And somewhere out there William Wallace's Brave heart is broken today again.
— Mr Xavier Ighorodje (@Xaviers_lore) September 19, 2014
If William Wallace was alive today... pic.twitter.com/olgDdI65hV — Stuart Flatt (@stuartflatt) September 19, 2014
William Wallace won't be happy
— Ryan Bennett (@ryanbennett_22) September 19, 2014
'You can take our lives, but you'll never take...Our freedom! ... Oh, hang on.' - William Wallace 2014. Is that the vibe now? — Liam McIntyre (@Liam_J_McIntyre) September 19, 2014
Sir William Wallace is turning over in his kilt.
— Kat Corbett (@KatCorbett) September 19, 2014
William Wallace is a little miffed with Scottland. pic.twitter.com/ggyEAa9KFn — Alexander Muse (@amuse) September 19, 2014
Bad Luck William Wallace #DiceEscociaqueSiempreNO pic.twitter.com/czCVcSAaH1
— Eduardo Salles (@sallesino) September 19, 2014
William Wallace fought for Scotland's freedom for years and lost hundreds of lives, now it only took a few hours to vote against it — Stefan Urquelle (@OfficeofSteve) September 19, 2014
Some people thought the Scottish independence movement would have been much more successful if Wallace was still alive today.
i wish william wallace was alive in the present day cause he would have been the best person to lead the yes campaign :,/
— lauren !! 22 (@STRIPYLARRY) September 19, 2014
Scottish yes vote should have had William Wallace freedom speech on repeat outside polling stations. #indyref https://t.co/vdVMMuf0TE — Nicolas Simonin (@nick_simonin) September 19, 2014
CNN reports Scottish independence vote https://t.co/j9HFUnmi4o via @MailOnline Where are you William Wallace free scotland..............!
— Akın köklen (@akinkoklen) September 19, 2014
Others responded by saying Wallace, who led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I of England at the end of the 13th century, had different concerns than the reasons modern Scots wanted to break away from the U.K.
William Wallace has been dead for over 700 years. He doesn't care. — Conor Lynn (@_ConorLynn) September 19, 2014
"William Wallace died getting independence" Really doubt William Wallace did it because he was pissed about tuition fees and the NHS
— Elliot Walker (@ElliotWalker5) September 19, 2014
Some took issue with the fact that the images circulating were of Gibson's portrayal of Wallace, not the actual historical figure.
Anyone noticed how William Wallace looks a lot like Mel Gibson? — Gary Philp (@blueboi1987) September 19, 2014
The Scott's have voted a NO. Wondering how or what is Mel Gibson aka William Wallace is thinking :') — biswarup.debroy (@biswarupdebroy) September 19, 2014
But don't we all really want to know what Groundskeeper Willie has to say about the results of the vote?
