Background
Located at the summit of a rugged hill and towering above the surrounding landscape, this 156-year-old monument is one of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions. Operated by a major local authority, The Wallace Monument draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is home to a collection of marble statues, historic artefacts, and a 67-metre observation tower offering panoramic views. To safeguard these invaluable assets and ensure visitor safety, Dahua was entrusted to implement an intelligent monitoring solution, enhancing the security of this incredible landmark.Following a highly publicised security breach involving unauthorised access to the observation deck and a serious safety violation, site operators identifed the urgent need for an enhanced surveillance system. The priority was to improve safety, monitor visitor movement and support operational management without disrupting the building’s historic fabric or day-to-day public access.
Solution
A modern security infrastructure was installed using Dahua Technology’s advanced TiOC Pro cameras and 5 Series NVR. The project was led by OCS, whose engineers worked closely with the site’s management team to design a system that met both heritage conservation needs and modern security requirements.
The solution enables staff based at ground level to monitor all floors of the monument in real time, including the tower’s observation deck, a high-traffic area that had previously been the site of a widely publicised security incident. Live video feeds are relayed via a Dahua 5 Series NVR, offering high-speed processing, reliable video storage and intuitive management through a central interface.
High-performance 6MP TiOC Pro cameras were installed to deliver wide-angle coverage, intelligent motion detection and excellent image clarity in all lighting conditions. Chosen for both capability and visual discretion, these cameras blend seamlessly into the heritage setting.
The 67-metre stone tower required internal scaffolding to route cabling safely, while marble statues and historical artefacts were protected throughout. Despite the logistical complexity, installation was completed with minimal disruption and within tight timeframes.
Result
The upgraded system enables staff to monitor visitor numbers and behaviour on all floors, including the observation deck. This has significantly improved situational awareness and enhanced visitor safety.
Real-time alerts flag unauthorised movement in restricted zones, supporting fast response and deterring breaches. Timed voice announcements, scheduled 15 minutes before closing to guide visitors down, also aid in managing visitor ow and building clearance.
“The image quality in all light conditions, as well as the technical features of the TiOC Pro cameras, allowed the end user to benefit not just in terms of security, but also in monitoring visitor movement and supporting health and safety.”
Iain Henderson, Project Manager at OCS
Installation was completed within a tight schedule and with minimal disruption to visitors. Despite the unique challenges posed by the building’s stone structure and irreplaceable interior collections, protective measures and internal scaffolding allowed for a safe and discreet deployment.
The intelligent monitoring system has delivered a robust, future-ready platform for safeguarding one of the country’s most recognised historical sites.
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