Culloden

Battle of Culloden by David Morier

Culloden was the scene of the last battle fought on British soil (though those on Skye like to claim this accolate for the Battle of the Braes. The Jacobites, demoralised after their long retreat from Derby all the way back to the Highlands, left Inverness on the 15 April and grouped at Culloden Moor. The site was spectacularly ill-suited to them, and it is unclear why it was chosen. Their favoured tactic was the frantic Highland Charge, rushing headlong at great speed at the enemy lines, but this was all but impossible on the swampy, trackless and rough ground. Instead, it would suit the artillery and guns of the enemy.

The Governmost forces were led by the Duke of Cumberland, and spent that day celebrating the Duke's 25th birthday in Nairn. The Jacobites set off for Nairn to suprise the drunken troops, but time proved too short and then beat a hasty retreat back to Culloden. By the morning of the battle, they were exhausted. This, together with the unsuitable ground, and the governments numerical superiority, meant there could be only one result. It was a massacre.

Cumberland's artillery started firing, and killed many of the Jacobites before their charge could even begin. The Highland Charge did go ahead, but most of the line was decimated as the men tried to run through the bogs. The carnage lasted less than an hour.

Mass graves at Culloden

Cumberland now set about earning his nickname in the Highlands - 'Butcher' - no mercy was shown to those captured or injured. And following the Battle, the government set about ensuring there would be no further uprising from the Highlands. Brutal reprisals were taken against those that had supported Charlie's men in the years that followed. Sympathetic Clan Cheifs had their lands confiscated. The wearing of tartan was banned, as was the playing of Bagpipes. The cheifs that remained drew closer to the government, and began the transformation into English-style landlords - the days of the clans were over. The days of The Highland Clearances begun.

Culloden Moor is today a very popular visitor attraction in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. There is a new state-of-the-art visitor centre opening in late 2007 as part of the Year of Highland Culture. There is an admission charge. See the NTS website for details of opening.