Culloden

Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) arrived in Glenfinnan in 1745 and raised his standard - his clansmen rallied to his side.  His Highland army marched south to the Battle of Prestonpans in September 1745 and Battle of Falkirk in January 1746 - the Highlanders were victorious against the English army. They pressed on towards Derby in December but Charles was advised to retreat; the French were being too slow in their aid for his cause and the English Jacobites not as enthusiastic as he had hoped.

It is somewhat of a misunderstanding that Culloden was a battle between Scots and English - this was in fact the last hope of the Catholic Stuart dynasty to regain the throne from the Protestant Hanoverians who many Scots supported and were amongst the English ranks - Clan Campbell took the government's part as did a few other clans support the Duke of Cumberland.

The Jacobites unwisely chose Culloden for their stand, for they were already tired from an aborted march that night and probably fatigued from hunger. Their battle tactics were of a 'surprise' variety; they would depend on shock (in a strategic place) and charge where it was harder for the more organised English to defend themselves. Culloden moor was level and boggy and the English had learnt from recent history and changed battle tactics; the infantry were put into three ranks. The front were not to fire until the Jacobites were only twelve yards away, while they reloaded a second rank would fire and then the third rank would fire and by then the first rank had reloaded. The battle taking place on boggy level ground, much more to the advantage of the English army, who with their cannons, cavalry and well thought out tactics, proved too much for the Jacobites who were defeated within the first hour of battle.

No prisoners were taken and there was a severe knock-on affect for Scotland. After this victory the English determined not to allow insurrection again killed any Highlander who had been a member of Charles Stuart's army, many who had not been members were also slaughtered. Many of the Highlanders' homes were destroyed and their livelihood taken from them - thus 40,000 emigrated to America. In order to keep the Highlanders down laws were made that banned the wearing of the tartan, playing of bagpipes or carrying weapons.

Culloden battlefield has been taken over by the National Trust for Scotland who have sympathetically looked after it. There is an excellent visitor centre. The atmosphere on the battle ground is tangible; a battle fought such a long time ago but the memories linger on.  It can be found 5 miles east of Inverness. Leave Inverness on the A9 going south (Perth) and you will see signs for it or take the Nairn road (A96) and you will see signs again.