The Jacobite Connection
Glenfinnan and the Jacobites are firmly woven into that great big tapestry of Scotland's History. The start of an uprising happened here in 1745 and came within a whisker of changing world history. Standing on the very spot where the adventure all began it is easy to picture the scene unfolding at the head of Loch Shiel on the 19th of August 1745.
The centre of all the attention - an Italian Prince. Decendant of the last Stuart King and the best hope of that Ancient Dynasty to reclaim their rightful heritage, the British Throne. Charles, Edward, Louis, John, Casimir, Silvester, Severino, Maria Stuart, known to all as Bonnie Prince Charlie, was born in Rome on the 31st December 1720. Grandson to the exiled King James the VII and II, son of the self proclaimed James the VIII and III, he would have grown from child to adulthood surrounded by people loyal to his family. Scholars, politicians, churchmen and clan chiefs, Jacobites born and bred and most with a vested interest in returning the Stuart's to the throne. Filling his head with stories of his family's ancient history and rightful future. And now he was here! Standing in a remote and lonely Highland Glen looking to the hills, perhaps for divine inspiration but more probably searching for his Highland warriors. This would have been a very nervous time for the Prince, without the Highlanders the whole uprising would end before it began.
With all things Jacobite there has been a tendancy to romaticise the whole period. The gallant and handsome Prince, the brave warriors and the just and noble cause, terms that seem inappropriate given the circumstances surrounding the end of the uprising. However it would have taken a stone heart not to have been moved and uplifted by the skirl of the pipes as Cameron of Lochiel led his men down to the lochside, to their Prince. The Uprising had begun!
The Raising of the Standard
After the unfurling of the Royal Standard and a few Royal Proclamations, noteably from Charles's father confirming his title of Prince Regent, it was time to get serious. With the Highlanders behind him spoiling for a fight the army moved off eastwards. They reached and took the City of Perth in early September, Charles riding into the City in full Highland dress. As a direct decendant of Robert the Bruce it is hoped he was aware of the historical significance of this ancient city.
He was joined at Perth by Lord George Murray, an experienced soldier who was appointed Lieutenant General of the Jacobite Army. The Jacobites moved south and entered the City of Edinburgh on the 17th of September. The city would certainly be divided in their support for the Prince Regent. But such was his fame and repute it is likely that opponents as well as supporters lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the young man. Charles took up residence in the Palace of Holyrood House and news arrived a few days later of a government army near Dunbar under the command of General John Cope. Lord George Murray led a surprise attack on the 21st September at Prestonpans, routing the redcoat army.
It was to be another 5 weeks before the Jacobites crossed the border into England heading for London, the real prize for the Stuarts, but considered as folly by many Jacobite supporters. The 6,000 strong army reached Derby of the 4th of December 1745. The lack of English Jacobite support was causing concern and news of a 12,000 strong Hanovarian Army waiting for them was enough for the Jacobite leaders. Against the wishes of their Prince the decision was made to retreat northwards. There is no doubt this decision caused a rift between the Prince and his officers, one that would never completely heal.
The Retreat
Back north they went, defeating a Hanovarian army at Falkirk on the 17th January 1746, the Jacobites were still undefeated! But still the army retreated ever northwards now pursued by an 8,000 strong army led by a cousin to the Prince, the Duke of Cumberland. The Prince made the decision to stand and fight on Culloden Moor, a bleak and desolute landscape. Outnumbered and outgunned the Jacobites never stood a chance against the highly trained Goverment Army. It only took 45 mins for the battle to be decided, with around 2000 brave highland warriors lying dead or wounded. The Prince was led from the battle ground to safety from the avenging redcoats.
 The Prince was a hunted man with a reward of 30,000 pounds for his capture. He was hidden and protected by loyal and brave people, regardless of the repercussions which might befall them. Flora Macdonald risked her life saving the Prince, dressing him up as her maid and sailing under the noses of the Navy frigates as she led the Prince to the Isle of Skye. Eventually the Prince made it to Arisaig on the 20th September and boarded a French ship that had come to collect him. Despite promises to the contrary, he would never set foot in Scotland again!
Charles was to die a lonely and broken man. His hopes and dreams never realised and his family's centuries-old connection with Scotland at an end. With better support and luck Charles Edward Stuart could have fared better and won the throne back. But the Stuarts were ever cursed with bad luck. What is left? Well, Glenfinnan still echoes with the dream of what might have been, and the romantic legend that is Bonnie Prince Charlie.
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