William Wallace braves New York

One of Scotland’s national treasures, the 5-foot sword wielded by William Wallace, the rebel leader portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film “Braveheart,” left its homeland Wednesday for the first time in more than 700 years.

The double-handed weapon that belonged to Wallace will be the centerpiece of an exhibition at New York’s Grand Central Station during Tartan Day celebrations, which begin later this week. The 6-pound sword will be returned to the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, after the celebrations.

This year marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Wallace, who led the Scots in their battle to free themselves from English rule.