The sword William Wallace wielded to win Scotland's freedom from England is headed for a New York tribute to Braveheart's death 700 years ago.

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The Tartan Day celebration in April at New York's Grand Central Station marks the first time the 5-foot-6, six-pound sword will leave its Scottish home, which celebrates the 700th anniversary of Wallace's death in August, Sky News reported.

Mel Gibson portrayed the Scottish freedom fighter in the 1995 hit "Braveheart."

The Stirling, Scotland, council earlier this month agreed to allow the national treasure to travel to New York. The National Museum of Scotland prepared the relic for the long trip, Sky News said.

Guards will watch the sword day and night once it arrives in New York as the centerpiece of the Scotland Village exhibition, which runs April 2-10.