Glencoe Site of the Massacre

Scottish Battlefield Tours

Armed conflict has played a major part in the evolution of Scotland's political make up. Here are some of the key battles in Scotland's history:

  • Killiecrankie (Perthshire), a dramatic gorge where, in July 1689, the outnumbered Highlanders smashed a much larger government force.
  • Dunkeld, Perthshire. This battle occurred in August, 1689 and followed on from the Battle of Killiecrankie the previous month. The outcome was reversed with the newly formed Cameronian Regiment successfully defending the town against a force of some 3000 Highlanders.
  • Culloden (near Inverness) is the site of the last pitched battle fought in Scotland where, in 1746, the Jacobites were defeated by government forces.
  • Bannockburn (near Stirling) is the site of King Robert the Bruce's victory against Edward II's army in 1314 marking a major step in Scotland's quest for independence.
  • Glencoe (Argyll) is the site of the infamous massacre in 1692 of some 38 MacDonalds by government militia made up of Campbells, an act which reverberated around Scotland.
  • Falkirk, Stirlingshire, July 22 nd 1298. With their backs to Callendar Wood, a Scots Army under William Wallace was defeated by a superior force of perhaps 2500 horse and 12000 foot under command of Edward I of England. The English longbow proved decisive on the day.
  • Falkirk, Stirlingshire, January 17 th, 1746. The battle took place on a moor 10 miles south of Stirling. The combatants comprised an army of 5,000 Highlanders under Prince Charles (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and 7,000 government troops under Lieutenant General Henry Hawley. The battle was fought in heavy rain resulting in the government's guns being caught in the mud. The battle was close fought but on balance the Highlanders were victors.
  • Sherriffmuir, Stirlingshire, November 13th 1715. Both sides claimed victory when a government army led by the 2 nd Duke of Argyll inflicted heavy damage on the Jacobites (supporters of the deposed King James) under the command of the 6 th Earl of Mar.
  • Bothwell Bridge, Hamilton, Lanarkshire. This battle occurred June 22 nd 1679. An army of covenanters who wished to protect the Presbyterian faith took on a government forced led by the Duke of Monmouth. The result was an easy victory for the government forces.
  • Prestonpans, S.E. of Edinburgh. This battle took place on September 21st 1745 between the Highland army of Prince Charles (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and government forces of King George II. The result was a victory for the Highlanders who benefited from local knowledge of the land and raw recruits in the government ranks. The Royal army comprised 2,300 men and 6 guns against the Highlanders 2,500 men.
  • Drumclog, near Strathaven, South Lanarkshire. Battle took place in 1679. It was here that the Covenanters (defenders of Presbyterianism) won their only victory against the Government forces under John Graham of Claverhouse. However, this victory was short-lived as defeat for the Covenanters followed at the subsequent Battle of Bothwell Bridge.
  • Langside, south Glasgow. In 1568 the forces of the Regent, Moray defeated those of Mary, Queen of Scots. The battle site is commemorated by a monument adjacent to Queen's Park.
  • Stirling Bridge. It was here in September, 1297 that the Scottish forces of William Wallace ('Braveheart') and Andrew Murray defeated a larger force under John de Warenne, earl of Surrey acting for Edward I of England.

Some ideas

  • A one, possibly two day, tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh, viz:

Day 1

    • Bannockburn
    • Stirling Castle and Stirling Bridge
    • Dunkeld
    • Killiecrankie

(Over night in Inverness)

Day 2
    • Culloden
    • Castle Urquhaurt, Loch Ness
    • Glencoe

In addition to the battle sites, the above tour incorporates magnificent Highland scenery. (Please note that Killiecrankie entails a visit to steep gorge and may not be suitable for all visitors.)

How can Catswhiskerstours help?

We can arrange:

  1. Large and small group escorted tours of battlefield sites.
  2. Educational tours for Army personnel.
  3. Self-drive tours with itineraries.

For more help and information, contact Nigel:

T:  44 (0) 141 638 5500
E: ncole67@googlemail.com
E: info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

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