Mel Gibson set to return to Scotland for Braveheart 30th anniversary tour

9 April 2026, 15:47

Mel Gibson is heading back to the UK to mark 30 years since Braveheart captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Picture: Getty

By Giorgina Hamilton

Fans will have a rare chance to see the Oscar-winning star at tw special events in Glasgow and Leeds.

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Mel Gibson is heading back to the UK to mark 30 years since Braveheart captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The Hollywood star, now 70, delivered one of his most memorable performances as Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace in the 1995 epic.

Braveheart went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and became a defining cinematic portrayal of Scotland’s fight for independence.

Its European premiere took place at the Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling in 1995, marking the start of its enduring legacy.

"For the big battle scenes, the ground wasn’t friendly to horses, so we moved much of that filming to Ireland," Mel Gibson explained. Picture: Getty

Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Wallace, complete with blue face paint and iconic battle speeches, has become a cinematic touchstone.

Speaking to RTÉ News last year about filming, he revealed why many of the epic battle scenes couldn’t take place in Scotland: "We filmed for six weeks in Scotland, and it did everything we wanted it to, I mean, Ben Nevis, you know, fits perfectly in the frame, and we got a lot of great stuff there.

“But, unfortunately, for the big battle scenes, the ground in Scotland wasn’t as horse-friendly as here [Ireland].

“So, you had more horses, and the ground was friendlier to the horses.

“And so we were fortunate at the time that the Minister for Arts and Culture was Michael D. Higgins, and he opened up the doors for us and said, ‘Hey, we got good ground, we got horses, we got the reserve army.'"

Three decades on, fans will finally have the chance to see Gibson in person at two special anniversary events in Glasgow and Leeds. Picture: Getty

The Hollywood star, now 70, delivered one of his most memorable performances as Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace in the 1995 epic (pictured). Picture: Getty

When are the Mel Gibson Braveheart events?

Three decades on, fans will finally have the chance to see Gibson in person at two special anniversary events:

Glasgow: May 10, Hilton Glasgow
Leeds: May 14, Leeds Marriott

The events are organised by An Experience With, and each evening will feature an elegant black-tie dinner, live storytelling from Mel Gibson and film insiders, a chance to meet the man behind the legendary role, and special guests and fan experiences celebrating the 30th anniversary.

A spokesperson for the events said: “A landmark cinematic moment will be celebrated in unforgettable style this spring as Mel Gibson returns to Glasgow on May 10 to mark the 30th Anniversary of the iconic film Braveheart.

Mel Gibson, now 70, will return to the UK in May, 2026. Picture: Getty

"Hosted at the prestigious Hilton Metropole on Cambridge Street, this special occasion will take the form of an elegant black tie dinner event, bringing together fans, film enthusiasts, and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration, storytelling, and nostalgia."

"This special occasion will bring together fans, film enthusiasts, and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration, storytelling, and nostalgia.”