#Jacobites '15 Uprising

[scotianostra]

On *14th September 1715 Jacobite forces commanded by John Erskine, 23rd Earl of Mar, took Perth with no opposition.

*As usual dates vary to an extent.

The Jacobite army grew to around 8,000 men. A force of fewer than 2,000 men under the Duke of Argyll held the Stirling plain for the government and Mar “Bobbin John” indecisively kept his forces in Perth. He waited for the Earl of Seaforth to arrive with a body of northern clans. Seaforth was delayed by attacks from other clans loyal to the government.

Planned risings in Wales, Devon and Cornwall were forestalled by the government arresting the local Jacobites.

This should have been King James,´the Old Pretender´s´ ideal opportunity but the campaign proved a shambles. The main force under the Earl of Mar achieved some early success, but his inability to press forward and make big decisions cost him dear.

They camped at Perth until November before marching south towards Stirling, where they met Government forces just north of the city at Sheriffmuir. More of that in a couple of months.

Pics are a Jacobite memorial to both the 15 & 45 Uprisings, and a depiction of a council of war Mar held before Sherrifmuir.

[caprice-nisei-enjoyer]

Imperial Struggle Event Cards

Finding no help from the Internet, I transcribed the Event cards from Imperial Struggle. This probably isn’t worth much without some analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various cards. Any typographical errors are probably mine.

Event cards are listed in numerical order. The first 15 cards are available in the Sucession Era, the next 15 are added in the Empire Era, and the last 11 are added in the Revolution Era. Each player will draw and play 12-18 of these in the course of a game. 

The first line of a card’s listing has its number, name, Action Condition, and Bonus Condition. To play a card, the player must match the Action Condition to the investment tile they play (some cards will match any tile). To earn the Bonus, the player must meet the Bonus Condition. This is either a written condition or a keyword that appears on Ministry cards. (Card 40, Falklands Crisis, is unique in that it matches an Advantage that can be taken on the board). Many cards have different effects for Britain (BR) and France (FR). 

Succession Era Events

1. Carnatic War (any, Mercantilism) Place 1 Conflict marker in India for each Local Alliance you control there. Bonus: Damage an enemy Fort or shift a Cotton market in India.

2. Acts of Union (any, More Prestice spaces in Scotland and Ireland) BR: 1 Diplomatic (unflagging in Europe only). Bonus: Score 2 VP FR: 2 Diplomatic. Bonus: Unflag a Political space in Europe (not in Spain or Austria).

3. Tropical Diseases (any, Scholarship) Remove 1 enemy flag, then 1 friendly flag, from Markets in the Caribbean. Bonus: Remove an additional enemy flag from a Market in the Caribbean.

4. South Sea Speculation (any, Finance) Unflag a Market whose removal does not Isolate any other Markets. Bonus: -2 Military to construct a new Squadron this AR. (This can result in the Construct Squadron action costing 0 Military.)

5. War of Jenkins' Ear (Military, Mercantilism) BR: Reduce your debt by 2. Bonus: Add 1 FR Debt. FR: Place a Conflict marker in a BR-flagged Market in the Caribbean. Bonus: 1 Diplomatic.

6. Native American Alliances (Diplomatic, Mercantilism) BR: Shift a Local Alliance in North America. Bonus: Immediately activate an Advantage you control in North America (ignoring Exhaustion). FR: 2 Economic (North America only). Bonus: Unflag a Local Alliance in North America.

7. Austro-Spanish Rivalry (any, Governance) (note that this card has been clarified from its earlier wording) BR: Place 1 Conflict merker in Spain. Bonus: Remove a FR Bonus War tile from the next War and return it to the pool. FR: Unflag a space in the Dutch Republic. Bonus: 2 Diplomatic or 2 Economic in India.

8. Tax Reform (Economic, Finance) Reduce your Debt by 2. Bonus: Reduce your Deby by an additional 1. If you are unable to reduce Debt, you may take 1 Economic for each Debt reduction not taken.

9. Great Northern War (Military, Style) BR: Shift a Political space in the German States. If both are now BR-flagged, score 2 VP. Bonus: 1 Diplomatic FR: Shift Russia. If it's already FR-flagged, score 2 VP instead. Bonus: 1 Diplomatic

10. Vatican Politics (any, Style) BR: 2 Diplomatic (must be spent in the German States, Prussia, or the Dutch Republic). Bonus 1 Diplomatic (Europe). FR: Shift any Spain or Austria Space. Bonus: If there are no BR flags in either Spain or Austria, score 2 VP.

11. Calico Acts (Economic, Mercantilism) BR: 2 Economic; must be used to unflag Market(s). Bonus: You may score Cotton (as if in Global Demand). FR: Unflag a Cotton Market. Bonus: Move a BR Squadron from the map to the Navy Box.

12. Military Spending Overruns (Military, You have more Available Debt than your opponent) Your opponent must damage a Fort, remove a Squadron (to Navy Box), or remove a Bonus War Tile from the next War (returning it to their pool). Bonus: Your opponent must do so again (does not have to be the same choice).

13. Alberoni's Ambition (any, Governance) BR: 2 Economic. Must be spent to flag Market(s) next to a BR-flagged Market. Bonus: 1 Economic, similarly restricted. FR: Shift an Alliance space in Austria, the Dutch Republic, or Spain. Bonus: If both Savoy and Sardinia are FR-flagged, score 3 VP.

14. Famine in Ireland (Economic, N/A) BR: Unflag a FR space in Ireland or Scotland. FR: Draw one Bonus War Tile for each space you control in Ireland, and add them to the Jacobite Uprising theater in the next War.

15. Interest Payments (Economic, You have more Available Debt than your opponent) Reduce your opponent's Debt Limit by one. If your opponent was at Debt Limit, reduce their Debt by one as well, then score 1 VP. Bonus: Reduce your own Debt by 2.

Empire Era Events

16. Caribbean Slave Unrest (any, More total Bonus War Tiles in next War) Place 1 Conflict marker in a Market in the Caribbean. Bonus: Place 1 additional Conflict marker as above.

17. Pacte de Famille (any, Style) BR: This AR, FR-flagged spaces in Spain or Austria cost 1 less Diplomatic for you to unflag. Bonus: 1 Diplomatic. FR: Refresh up to two Advantages in Europe. Bonus: 2 Diplomatic in Spain and/or Austria.

18. Byng's Trial (any, N/A) (note that this card originally had a Bonus condition which has since been removed) BR: Place the Byng marker in any theater that counts Naval Strength in the next War. FR: Remove one BR Squadron from the map or the Navy Box and place it on the Turn Track (on the next peace turn). On that turn's Reset Phase, return it to the Navy Box.

19. Le Beau Monde (any, Style) BR: You may put Fur or Cotton into Global Demand. Bonus: 1 Economic. FR: 1 Diplomatic in Europe. Bonus: 2 more Diplomatic in Europe.

20. Hyder Ali (any, Mercantilism) Take control of one Local Alliance space in India -OR- place 2 Conflict markers in unprotected space in India. Bonus: 2 Economic in India.

21. Co-Hong System (Diplomatic, Scholarship) Draw a new Global Demand tile, then replace one of this turn's Global Demand tiles with the new one. Bonus: 2 Economic in India.

22. Corsican Crisis (Diplomatic, Governance) BR: Shift Sardinia or Savoy. Bonus: Score 1 VP if France has no Squadrons in Europe. FR: Unflag a Political space in Europe. Bonus: Score 1 VP if Britain has no flags in Spain.

23. European Panic (Economic, You have at least 3 more Available Debt than your opponent) For each Debt your opponent has in excess of yours (up to 4), score 1 VP. Bonus: Unflag an opposing Political space in Europe.

24. West African Gold Mining (any, You have more Available Debt than your opponent) 1 Economic. Bonus: 2 Economic in the Caribbean.

25. War of the Quadruple Alliance (Diplomatic, Governance) BR: Move a BR Squadron from the map or Navy Box to the Turn Track (next turn) to score 2 VP. Bonus: Build a Squadron then take 1 Debt or, if you have any, lose 1 TRP. FR: Shift a Spain space. Bonus: 1 Diplomatic.

26. Salon D'Hercule (any, Style) BR: Increase FR Debt by 1. Bonus: Increase FR Debt by another 2. FR: 2 Diplomatic in Europe. Bonus: 2 additional Diplomatic in Europe.

27. Bengal Famine (Economic, N/A) Place up to 2 Conflict markers in Markets or Political spaces in India.

28. Father le Loutre (Military, Governance) BR: Place a Conflict marker in a Fish Market. Bonus: 2 Military in North America. FR: Place a Conflict marker in a BR-flagged Market. Bonus: 2 Economic in North America.

29. War of the Polish Succession (Military, Finance) BR: Gain 2 TRP. Bonus: Shift Russia. FR: Score 2 VP. Bonus: Shift Russia or Sweden.

30. Jonathan's Coffee-House (Economic, Finance) 2 Economic. Bonus: 1 additional Economic, and reduce your Debt by 1.

Revolution Era Events

31. Nootka Incident (Military, Mercantilism) BR: 2 Diplomatic or 2 Economic. Bonus: Score 2 VP per BR-flagged alliance space in Spain, then remove those flags. FR: Displace a BR Squadron to Navy Box. Bonus: Construct a Squadron.

32. Haitian Revolution (any, More total Bonus War Tiles in next War) Place a Conflict marker in a Caribbean Sugar Market. Bonus: Place Conflict markers in 2 additional such Markets

33. Loge des Neuf Soeurs (any, Style) BR: Place 1 Conflict marker in the Northern Colonies sub-region. Bonus: If there are more BR than FR flags in North America, score 3 VP. FR: Activate an Advantage you control outside Europe (ignore Exhaustion). Bonus: 2 Diplomatic.

34. La Gabelle (Diplomatic, You have more Available Debt than your opponent) BR: Exhause up to 2 Advantages (BR player's choice). They do not take effect. Bonus: 2 Economic. FR: 2 Economic. Bonus: Score 2 VP (or 3 VP, if you have the Governance keyword).

35. Jesuit Abolition (any, Governance) BR: Unflag a sugar Market. Bonus: 3 Economic (Caribbean only). FR: Reduce your Debt by 2. Bonus: Score 2 VP.

36. Wealth of Nations (any, Scholarship) Reduce your Debt by 2. Bonus: 3 Economic

37. Debt Crisis (Economic, You have at least 3 more Available Debt than your opponent) If you have more Available Debt than opponent, receive 3 Economic (must be used to unflag Markets). Bonus: Score 2 VP.

38. East Asia Piracy (Military, N/A) If you have more combined Squadrons, Forts, and Local Alliances in India than your opponent does, score 3 VP.

39. Stamp Act (any, Mercantilism) BR: Reduce your Debt by 2. Bonus: 2 Economic. FR: Place 1 Conflict marker in the Northern Colonies sub-region. Bonus: Place 3 instead.

40. Falklands Crisis (Diplomatic, Mediterranean Intrigue) BR: If there is a BR-flagged space in Spain, score 1 VP. Bonus: Unflag a space in Spain. FR: Receive 1 Military for each FR flag in Spain. Bonus: Remove a BR Squadron from the game.

41. Cook and Bougainville (any, Mercantilism) BR: 1 Economic for every 2 Squadrons you have on the map or in Navy Box. Bonus: Draw a Bonus War Tile. FR: Add a Squadron to the Navy Box. Bonus: Reduce your Debt by 2.

While I’m here, I’m gonna complain about the card design. On the originals, the flavor text is in-line with the mechanical text. But my eye wants to scan past the flavor text! Put them on different lines! Also consider standardizing the nomenclature; it’s a bit heterogenous.

[outlanderfanficrelay-blog]

Outlander Fanfic Relay: Part 20

Previously, in the relay: 19, 18 ,17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

This part is brought to you by @nandan11! Next up is @yanceyrenee!

Claire sat down on the loveseat in Frank’s study and accepted the glass of whisky he offered her. “How have you been?” Frank asked.  Claire took a sip of the amber liquid. “I am so sorry for bursting in on you this way—it’s just that a rather important issue has come up and, crazy as it may be, I need to know, rather urgently, if Jonathan Wolverton Randall is an ancestor of yours?”

“I see,” Frank responded as he studied the woman sitting before him whom he had dated for almost five years. She hadn’t changed much in the intervening years they were apart. Her hair was dark with riotous curls; her skin still beautifully pale and luminescent,  like pearls. Her eyes were different today though—still the light amber color, but with an edge. Was it panic, he thought? No. It was more of a determinedness he recognized all too well. That drive she had to become a doctor. To excel in medical school, to be top in her class. A relentless drive that he could not tame or even compete with. That was the downfall of their relationship he thought.

May I ask why you need this information? And so urgently?” Frank asked.  “I’m afraid it is rather complicated, and in the interest of time, could you just take my word for it now?”Claire pleaded. “Alright, let me find my notes.”

While rummaging through his desk, Frank told her he had traveled to Scotland last summer to learn more about the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and to see if any of his ancestors may have played a role in the uprising.

“Found it!” he exclaimed.  Frank began spreading out the papers and documents on the coffee table.

“Frank, would you mind if I asked a young historian to join us?” Claire asked. “He is the son of one of my colleagues, and he is most interested in this era of Scottish history,” Claire lied. “He’s actually in the car outside.”

“Oh,” Frank replied, slightly confused. “No, of course not. I do tend to get carried away and I’m happy to help a fellow historian any way I can.”

“Wonderful!  I’ll run out and ask him to join us,” she responded.

Introductions were made and another dram of whisky in hand, Frank  proceeded to explain what he knew about Jonathan Wolverton Randall.

Claire took notes and Roger asked as many pertinent questions that he could think to ask.  Thanking Frank for his knowledge and time, the two, armed with their valuable information, made their way back to the hospital.

All the tests being completed, it was indeed confirmed that Brianna was a match for Jamies’s new kidney. After a consult with Jamie, Claire, Bree and the surgeon, the transplant surgery was scheduled in one week.  Although Claire would have preferred the surgery date be sooner, Roger pointed out there was more preparation still needed before heading through the stones. It was decided that their “traveling” would wait until after surgery was completed and Brianna was well enough to look after Jamie.

In the meantime, all four met for hours during the week leading up to the surgery, thoroughly planning out what could or should be taken, clothes to be worn, coins to be somehow be obtained, etc. And, by some miracle, Roger was able to find an  old Scottish map of Broch Mordha and the surrounding countryside at the Scottish Antiquities and Historical Society.  Claire also decided it would be prudent to smuggle some 21st  medication with her, in case of an emergency. They plotted how to get to Lallybroch by foot from Craig ‘na dun, determined where Castle Leoch and the surrounding MacKenzie lands were and where Fort William was located.  Most importantly, their cover story as well as their respective histories were well rehearsed, so when they arrived in 1742 Scotland their circumstances would be believed.

The surgeries were a success and after all the meticulous planning it was time for Roger and Claire to bid their farewells.  Jamie was resting comfortably in the step-down ICU and Claire was holding his hand. “‘Tis time lass, eh? To say our goodbyes.” Claire laid her head on Jamie’s chest and couldn’t talk. She knew if she did she would start crying.  Jamie put his large hand in her curls.  “It’s going to be okay, Sassenach.  I trust you and Roger will be successful. But, please take care and dinnae do anything foolish. I know I don’t have to remind ye it is a different time, and independent women will not be takin kindly to. Please, I beg ye to be mindful.”  

She nodded in agreement, gently hugged his midsection and then placed a long, tender kiss on his soft lips. When they broke apart, Jamie wiped away her tears then she rose and walked out of his hospital room.

[my-name-is-dahlia]

Vocabulary (pt.cmlxxx)

Words taken from The Black Knave, by Patricia Potter:

oilcloth (n.) a fabric waterproofed with oil.

marquis (n.) a European nobleman ranking between a duke and a count (compare with marquess).

mayhap (adv.) archaic. perhaps, possibly.

Hanover the British royal house from 1714 to the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.

flan (n.) an open or sponge pie case containing a fruit, jam, or savoury filling.

henchman (n.) usually derogatory. a trusted supporter or faithful follower who always obeys the orders of his or her leader.

cardsharp (n.) a person who professionally or habitually cheats at card games.

cambric (n.) a fine white linen or cotton fabric.

Culloden, Battle of the final engagement of the Jacobite uprising of 1745–1746, fought on a moor near Inverness in northeast Scotland. The small Jacobite army was crushed by the Hanoverian army, and a ruthless pursuit after the battle effectively prevented any chance of saving the Jacobite cause.

Prince William, Duke of Cumberland (15 April 1721 [N.S.] – 31 October 1765) the third and youngest son of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland and his wife, Caroline of Ansbach. He was Duke of Cumberland from 1726. He is best remembered for his role in putting down the Jacobite Rising at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 [...]. He is often referred to by the nickname given to him by his Tory opponents: “Butcher” Cumberland. [x]

[shannrussell-blog1]

The West Highland Way is one of the world’s most popular long-distance walks and is approximately 154 kilometres (95 miles) long. It starts its journey in the town of Milngavie (Mul-guy) and winds its way north through the countryside, past lochs and over moorlands. Along with old rail-lines and through Scottish villages and past farmlands with the famous Highland cattle.

You will finish your way in the town of Fort William that sits in the shadows of UK’s highest mountain, the famous Ben Nevis. The end of the way isn’t necessarily the end of the walk as from here you can continue your journey north walking the Great Glen Way.

A view of the Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain on our trip.

History of the area

Many of these distance walks throughout the UK and Europe have evolved from pathways used before the time of the motor vehicle when the only way to get from one land to the next was by walking. Much of the West Highland Way (WHW) is made up of such pathways and it is steeped in history that goes right back to the 13th century of the McDougall Clan, as well as the Jacobite rebellion in the 17th and 18th centuries.

This was a time of major uprising and many of the old military roads were built for the British troops to quell the Jacobite rebellion. You will also be travelling along old drover’s roads the local farmers used to herd their livestock to town and there are also the old railway lines and coach roads.

The West Highland Way as a walking route is not so old, although its origins show it first being identified back in the 1930s and 40s. The official pathway did not open until October 1980.

You’ll likely pass herds of Highland cattle grazing along the walk. 

Distance to hike the WHW

Walking the WHW takes around 7 days, but this depends on what you want to experience along the way as there are plenty of side trips to be explored. It is common to walk this trail from the south to north staying in the quaint country towns.

Although overall, the route isn’t one that is of any great difficulty, there are some sections of ups and downs and there is the element of weather that can add more of a challenge.

If you walk this route, it should take you around a week. 

Our trip

We chose to walk the WHW at the end of our hiking trip in Europe where we had walked 645km (400 miles) of the St. Olav Way in Norway. It was a great way to end our journey especially as we had some dear friends meet and walk with us in Scotland. We chose to take 7 days for this trip as we had very little time left on our holiday, but now in writing this I really wish we had more time to see what Scotland has to offer.

For this journey, we had pre-booked our accommodation before leaving Australia, so we knew that each night we had a place to stay. Though upon arriving, we realised that this wasn’t necessary but still a good idea if you go during peak season.

Us at the start of our Scottish Highland journey. 

Maps and guidebooks

These can be easily obtained online or even from any of the tourist centres or outdoor stores once you arrive.

Terrain

The terrain is not technically difficult, but you will be ascending and descending a fair bit in sections. Expect mud, rocky paths, as well as country laneways and valley walks.

You can expect some rocky paths on this walk – so trekking poles are worth taking. 

Accommodation

There is a variety of accommodation types you can expect on this route from hotels/Inns, B&B’s to hostels. You can also book a package service with one of the many tour companies who arrange everything for you from the accommodation, luggage transfers and even packed lunches.

Camping

If you want to get the wild camping experience, it is possible, though it’s best to check the ‘bylaws’ throughout the National Park areas. There are also dotted campgrounds along the way. Remember to respect the land you are camping on and leave no trace.

Don’t camp within paddocks and crop fields and stay clear of buildings and historic sites. For more information, check the Scottish outdoor access code site here.

Rowardennan hostel is just one of the places we stayed in. 

Choosing one of the many tour companies

There are many companies to choose from to help you with your journey. From organising the whole trip, including accommodation to luggage transfer and meals, to others that are happy just to carry your luggage. Do some research and read reviews about other people’s experiences, and pick one based on what is going to work best for you.

The best time to visit

This is a trail that can be walked at any time of the year, but the best time is during spring or autumn. Do be aware that May is the peak season of the WHW and accommodation can be difficult to get. Another tip to remember is to avoid starting on a Saturday, as this is the favourite day to start and the accommodation could be tight.

If you want to enjoy your time, then walk the WHW in the spring or autumn.

What conditions you can expect

On any hiking journey, you must be prepared for whatever nature throws out and Scotland is no exception. Even though you will not be climbing any great heights, you are at the mercy of the Scottish weather and believe me she can give it all to you. So, whether you are carrying a day bag (and having your luggage transported) or carrying all your gear, be prepared for all weather conditions.

When that wind and rain rips through the moorlands you will feel it, so be sure to have good waterproof and warm clothes like thermals. Always check your guidebook for towns along the way to refuel with food and water, as there will be times you might need to carry a packed lunch and snacks.

You should also carry at least 2 litres of water per day. Be sure to also have your map and guidebook in your day bag rather than left in your luggage – it is no use to you there!

Don’t underestimate how cold it can get in Scotland, even in the warmer season.

Packing for the West Highland Way

To pack for the WHW, just remember it is Scotland and can be wetter and windier, with the average temperature lower than the rest of the UK. May, June and July are their sunniest months with the days being the longest of the year with the lowest rainfall.

In the Highlands, they have an average of 250 days of rain per year. The average maximum temperature during these 3 months is 15-17C (59-63F), remembering wind chill factor is a lot colder. Keep this in mind when packing for this walk and ensure that your clothes are going to be warm enough for the trip.

Also, If you have chosen a company to transport your luggage, then be sure to check with them the maximum weight allowance as well.

Factor in the weather when packing for this trip.

Packing list for the WHW

A backpack to the size you need.

Sturdy boots or shoes you plan to trek in. Don’t forget spare ones for the evenings.

Gaiters as they help keep the mud out of your shoes.

Hiking poles (if preferred)

Water bottles or a hydration pack.

socks

2 quick drying shirts. Remember, Scotland is a wet country so anything that isn’t quick drying will make your life difficult.

2 zip-off hiking pants. Hiking pants are always quick drying and with the bonus of zip-offs, you will also have 2 pairs of shorts, though I don’t think you will need shorts in Scotland.

Rain jacket and rain pants, (highly recommend these items).

A lightweight windproof jacket, great for when it isn’t raining but the wind is blowing.

1 thermal top (this is optional, not necessary).

2

Sarong or Shemagh. This is my must-have item and it has many uses including – a scarf, a towel and a wrap for after a shower or can be used as a picnic blanket. You can also create many outfits to wear in the evenings like a top, a jacket, a skirt or even a bag, just to name a few.

Something to sleep in.

A windproof jacket, hiking poles and a day pack are just some of the essentials you’ll need. 

Extras if camping

A Cooker and fuel for the cooker (just be aware that fuel and matches are not allowed on planes but quite easily purchased when you arrive).

Food utensils

Sleeping bag

Sleeping mat

Headlamp

Where to store your excess luggage

Over the years of travel, I have found that the hotels where you start and end your journey are always more than happy to store your excess luggage. We left gear we did not need for the WHW at our hotel in Glasgow and retrieved it on our return.

Your hostel or hotel will likely be happy to store your excess baggage for you. 

The route and towns on the West Highland Way

Milngavie to Dryman – 19km (12 miles)

This day is a relatively easy one and starts in the centre of town at the large granite obelisk, which marks the official start of the Way. As you leave the urban landscape you head into the Lowlands, through farmlands, pass Lochs and enter the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Dryman to Rowardennan – 22.5km (14 miles)

Today you will be walking along the famous Loch Lomond, but not before climbing up over ‘Conic Hill’. Hope for a clear day, as the views looking down over the Loch and its many islands are simply stunning when it is.

If there are clear skies, the views from Conic Hill are incredible.

Rowardennan to Inverarnan – 22.5km (14 miles)

Today you will work for your walk a wee bit harder, you’ll also have a choice of taking the high route or the low route. Hint: The low way is not the easy way but well worth the scrabbling along the stones beside the Loch. To end the day, you might want to stay in the allegedly haunted 310-year-old Drover’s Inn. We experienced no ghosts, but we ate a great meal and stayed in the room named ‘Rob Roy’.

Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 19.5km (12 miles)

Today you will pass by ruins of St. Fillan’s Chapel. This is the battleground of Daligh where Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was defeated by Clan MacDougalls back in 1306. Tip: the whole way along there is some amazing history worth researching about the West Highland Way. 

Look out for the ruins of Fillan’s chapel, the site where Robert the Bruce was defeated in the 1300s. 

Tyndrum to Kingshouse – 30.5km (19 miles)

This was our longest walk but my favourite day. Along the way, you will walk through some beautiful moorlands as well as on some old military roads. You are now at the gateway to the Highlands! Tip: Kingshouse is one of the most remote places along the way, so if you’re not staying there, you can bus or cab back to your accommodation.

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven – 14.5km (9 miles)

This one is a short day but there are a few hills, including ‘The Devils Staircase’. The name says it all, taking you up to the highest point on the Way which is 550m above sea level. If the weather treats you well the views you receive on the Glencoe mountains is just outstanding. Tip: Beware of midges in the area. 

The view of the walk to Kinlochleven. 

Kinlochleven to Fort William – 24km (16 miles)

More steep hills today and very open areas, as well as some protection from the elements in the woodlands of the Nevis Forest before descending into Fort William. This is a historical town that has the mountains surrounding it, including the famous Ben Nevis.

Getting to and from the WHW

To start your way, it is easy enough to get to Milngavie as it is only 13km (8 miles) northwest of the Glasgow city centre. You can quite easily catch a taxi that will take around 15 mins and cost approximately $45 AUD or by train which on weekdays runs every 15 mins and every 20 mins on weekends. This option takes approximately 20 mins and will set you back around $5.50 AUD. There are also buses that travel there and take up to 40 mins travel time.

To return from Fort William there are a few train routes available. The rides will take between 3.5 – 6 hrs, so do check with ScotRail to get the one you want. Prices vary as well. There are buses available which take around 3.5 hrs.

If you are needing to get to Edinburgh from Fort William this is possible by train with the average time taking 5 hrs. There are also bus services too taking around 4.5hrs.

Getting to and from this walk is fairly easy from Glasgow. 

Extra activities to do in Scotland

Within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, there are many things to explore including the ‘Scenic Route Artworks’. This gives you unique artwork structures throughout the park for you to discover and in turn, they give you the most stunning viewpoints to see of the nature around you.

When you arrive in Fort William do try to have a few days exploring as there is so much to see. If you are wanting to keep walking, there is Ben Nevis to climb or just continue walking from here heading northward on the ‘Great Glen Way’ adding another 127km (79 miles) to take you all the way to Inverness.

Perhaps instead of walking, why not catch the ‘Jacobite Steam Train’. This is a great way to experience more of Scotland by very different means. This impressive steam train starts in Fort William and heads out to Loch Nevis before returning. On this 135km (84 miles) round trip, you will see more of the incredible countryside from a different perspective.

While you’re in Scotland, make the most of it by exploring what the nearby cities have to offer. 

If you’re flying in and out

In Edinburgh, you must explore the ‘Edinburgh Castle’ and ‘Arthurs Seat’ among other great attractions.

If you have some extra time in Glasgow, then you should perhaps book one of the many walking tours of the city. This is such a great way to discover some of the hidden beauties of a city, just like the ‘Glasgow’s Secret Ghost Station’. This is a hidden station of the Old Victorian Platform under the city.

There are also many day tours you can experience like the Whiskey and Distilleries tours if you’re a fan of Scottish spirits.

Final thoughts on Scotland and the WHW

I feel there might be another journey to experience in those Scottish Highlands for me as there is so much more I can discover than what I did in just the one week.

  Is the West Highland Way calling your name? What do you think of hiking in the UK?

  The post Exploring Scotland’s West Highland Way Route appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[ad7000]

Berwick

http://www.englandsnortheast.co.uk/BerwickuponTweed.html“Entering North  Berwick from East Lothian and continuing down to Berwick

This should give me access to shoot geology based landscapes in East Lothian and North Berwick as well as soot landscaes with a focus on borders/natural borders along the coast, and I also wanted to focus on shooting birds here too althoguh i’m ot yet sure how they will fit into the project/final edits. Then, into Berwick where i want to bring more of a historic approach to land. 

“There are different kinds of basalt found at North Berwick: Olivine rich basalt - olivine is a mineral found down deep in the earth. Vesicular basalt - vesicular means that it has many holes inside it caused by bubbles trapped in the lava when it came out of the volcano. Mugerite - this is a pale grey in colour. Another rock found is tuff and this is volcanic ash which has been erupted from the volcano, over lots and lots of years it has hardened into rock. If you go to North Berwick you can find lots of different colours of rocks such as volcanic ash which is either red or green, lava flow which is black, bubbly lava which is purple, sandstone which is grey and schist which is also grey. Berwick Law is composed of igneous rock formed during the Carboniferous period (340 mya). This area was the site of many volcanic eruptions and the Law is the result of the mouth of the volcano being choked with its own molten lava forming a plug when extinct. The Bass Rock is also a plug of a volcano. The Scottish Seabird Centre is next to the harbour and was opened by Prince Charles in June 2000. The birds that can be seen on the Bass Rock are gulliemots, kittiwakes and gannets. On Fidra, razorbills and puffins can be seen. The Seabird Centre has a lot of information on seabirds and shows with a web cam how they catch fish and what species live on each island. You can see through a telescope the Isle of May, Isle of Fidra and the Bass Rock but you can also see the islands on special cameras. There is an education centre where you can learn more about the birds on the islands. My favourite part of the seabird centre is playing the game which teaches you about trying to protect the birds. Over thirty skeletons were found on the site of the old St Andrew's graveyard, which is now the walkway to the main entrance of the Seabird Centre. The skeletons date back to the 7th Century.”

http://www.edinburghgeolsoc.org/r_action_nberwick.html

“captured or sacked 13 times before finally falling into English hands in 1482, Berwick’s great Elizabethan walls were built to keep invading Scots from entering the town. Walk the complete circuit, taking in spectacular views across the River Tweed estuary and Berwick’s three bridges, including the iconic Royal Border Bridge, built by Robert Stevenson and one of the finest bridges of its kind in the world.”

http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/berwick-upon-tweed

Interesting take on england/scotland borders issue:

“England or Scotland? Berwick-upon-Tweed's position on the north bank of the River Tweed, long held to be the nominal border between the two countries, led to the town changing hands no fewer than 14 times in the two centuries up to 1482.Since then it has remained English, so why include it in Undiscovered Scotland? In part because it played such an important part is Scottish history; in part because Berwick Rangers football club plays in the Scottish rather than the English league; in part because it's such a magnificent place to visit; and in part because it nicely rounded off the south eastern corner of our coverage until we took the decision to expand more fully into the English Borders.Even Edward IV's final capture of the town in 1482 didn't entirely simplify matters. Under the Treaty of Perpetual Peace between Henry VII of England and James IVof Scotland in 1502 (just 11 years before the Scottish army and nobility was destroyed by the English at the Battle of Flodden) Berwick was given a special status as being "of" the Kingdom of England but not "in" it. As a result the town thereafter needed special mention in royal proclamations.This had one odd effect. When Queen Victoria signed the declaration of war on Russia in 1853, she did so in the name of "Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, Ireland, Berwick-upon-Tweed and the British Dominions beyond the sea." But Berwick was not mentioned in the Treaty of Paris that concluded the Crimean War in 1856, leaving the town technically still at war with Russia.A peace treaty was only finally signed by a Russian diplomat and the the Mayor of Berwick in 1966. As the mayor said at the time: "You can tell the Russian people that they can now sleep peacefully in their beds".Berwick's early story was as one of the most important towns and ports in Scotland for a period of 250 years from 1018. But in 1296 Edward I of England sacked the town and slaughtered 8,000 of its residents. This marked the start of two centuries during which Berwick changed hands between Scots and English on average every 15 years. This was not an environment that encouraged business to flourish and the town's fortunes inevitably waned as a result.Berwick's story over its past five hundred years as an outpost of England on the "wrong" bank of the River Tweed can be told in terms of its links across the river to the rest of the country. The "Old Bridge" across the Tweed that survives today was the fifth on the site. The first was lost in a flood in 1199; the second destroyed by the English in 1216; and the third was lost to another flood in 1294. A fourth wooden bridge built in 1376 served for well over two hundred years. It may have been in the need of constant repair and patching, but it survived and accomplished its purpose.When James VI of Scotland and I of England passed through Berwick in 1603 en route to claim his English throne in London, he commented unfavourably on the state of the wooden bridge. Work started in 1611 on the stone "Old Bridge", which was finished in 1624. This remained the only road bridge over the Tweed until the building of the neighbouring New Bridge in 1928. Since 1984 the A1 and its traffic have bypassed Berwick-upon-Tweed over an even newer bridge several miles to the west.The most spectacular of the Tweed Bridges is the Royal Border Bridge, which carries the East Coast Main Line railway on 28 arches 38m above the river. This cost £253,000 to build and was opened by Queen Victoria on 29 August 1850.Apart from its bridges, Berwick's most distinctive feature is the almost intact town wall that still surrounds most of it. This started life early in the town's history, but the massively impressive artillery bastions on view today were begun on the orders of Marie de Guise in 1558 and completed over the following 20 years, mostly during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. A walk around the walls takes around 45 minutes and gives an excellent series of views into Berwick itself as well as of the River Tweed, the bridges and the surrounding countryside.Also well worth visiting are Berwick Barracks, built following the 1715 Jacobite uprising to house a defensive garrison. The barracks are now in the care of English Heritage, and are home to three museums, including the King's Own Scottish Borderers Museum and Berwick Borough Museum.Berwick-upon-Tweed is a fascinating town and a beautiful one, and a stop here should be on the itinerary of anyone making their way to Scotland up the east coast. Don't make the all-too-easy mistake of sticking to the A1 bypass and missing the town entirely”

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/berwick/berwickupontweed/index.html

Intersting intergration of poetry... could work in book?:

“BERWICK : TOWN ON THE SCOTTISH BORDEROn the mainland five miles north of Holy Island, is the mouth of the River Tweed and the most historic town of Berwick Upon Tweed. The most northerly town in England, perhaps no other town in North East England has had a more eventful history than Berwick. There is no doubt that Berwick upon Tweed can claim the distinction of being the Border Town, as it has changed hands between England and Scotland thirteen times. Its history is inextricably tied up with the struggle for the Anglo Scottish frontier. An old legend is said to explain the fascinating history of Berwick;"During the temptation while the Evil one was showing to the Holy one all the kingdoms of the earth he kept Berwick hidden beneath his thumb, wishing to reserve it as his own little nook"Berwick with an English name meaning `Corn Farm' began as a small settlement in the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria, in which it remained until the Battle of Carham of 1018 when it was taken by the Scots. From then on Berwick became a hotly disputed territory. In 1174 Berwick was retaken by England in a ransom following the failure of a raid into Northumberland by the Scottish king, William the Lion.

Above: An old postcard showing BerwickThe town returned to the northern side of the border in the reign of Richard I (1189-1199), who sold it to obtain money for the Crusades. At the beginning of the following century Berwick returned once more to England, after Richard's brother, King John sacked the town, but Berwick continued to change hands until 1482 when the town finally became part of England within which it still (technically) remains.BERWICK : ENGLISH OR SCOTTISH ?Today the visitor to Berwick can be forgiven for believing it to be a Scottish town, as after all it stands on the northern bank of the River Tweed, an entirely Scottish river and it does seem to have a rather Scottish appearance. Berwick is also the name of a large Scottish Burgh and the old county of Berwickshire (of which Berwick was not part !) was in Scotland. Furthermore Berwick, is a little bit more closer to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, than to the North East's regional centre of

Newcastle upon Tyne

.The belief that Berwick is Scottish is also reinforced by the fact that most of the commercial banks in the town are Scottish and that the local football team plays in the Scottish league.

Dialect

also leads to the belief that Berwick is Scottish as to most Englishmen the local `Tweedside' accent spoken in Berwick sounds Scottish, although most Scots would recognise the

Northumbrian

influence.The Scottish claim for Berwick is certainly strong but the English influence upon the area is also very significant. Berwick as already stated began as an English or at least an Anglo-Saxon settlement, in the

Kingdom of Northumbria

and although for four hundred years it regularly changed hands between England and Scotland it has remained in the former part of the United Kingdom for the past five centuries. Berwick's policeman and laws are therefore English, and its most senior councillor is an English mayor not a provost as in the Scottish system of local government. Until recently Berwick town also has an important status, as the administrative centre for the Northumberland County District of Berwick upon Tweed, which included the

Farne islands

,

Lindisfarne

and the very Northumbrian villages of

Wooler

,

Bamburgh

and Belford.INDEPENDENT TOWN, PROSPEROUS PASTIt is hardly surprising that given Berwick's curious Anglo Scottish location, the local residents tend to regard themselves as independent `Tweedsiders' or `Berwickers' rather than English or Scottish. In fact until the Reform Act of 1885 Berwick did have a considerable degree of independence with the status of a `Free Burgh' meaning that it had to be mentioned separately in Acts of Parliament.Berwick's status was such that even the Crimean War had to be declared in the name of Great Britain, Ireland and Berwick Upon Tweed. Strangely after this war, when the peace treaty was signed Berwick's name was omitted and for many years the town was said to be technically still at war with the Russians.It is hard to believe that a town with such a turbulent history as Berwick was once one of the most prosperous merchant towns in Britain and was worth to Scotland an annual customs value of £2,190, which was equivalent to about one quarter of the customs of the whole of England. In the thirteenth century the wealthy town was described as;"So populous and of such commercial importance that it might rightly be called another Alexandria, whose riches were the sea and the water its walls"BERWICK : TOWN WALLS, BUILDINGS AND BRIDGESIn the fourteenth century Berwick became a real walled town when King Edward I fortified it against Scottish attack. His defensive walls supplemented the stronghold of Berwick Castle which stood on the site of the present railway station. Some of the town walls can still be seen today, dating mainly from the later Elizabethan period. They are among the finest of their kind in Europe.Berwick is one of the most picturesque towns on the region's coast, mainly because of its attractive red roofed houses, pinkish grey Georgian buildings and the fine seventeenth century bridge, which spans the River Tweed.Most notable of the town's buildings are the spired town hall of 1754 and the Berwick parish church, called Holy Trinity which is one of only a few built in England in Cromwellian times. For an historic parish church it is unusual, in that it has no steeple, tower or church bell. Instead a bell in the Town Hall is used to summon people to the church services at Holy Trinity. It is no wonder that many visitors to Berwick mistake the Town Hall for the parish church.The River Tweed at Berwick is almost as well known as the Tyne at

Newcastle

for its bridges. There are three here namely; Old Bridge, the Royal Tweed Bridge, and the Royal Border Bridge.The Royal Tweed is the most recent, built in 1925 it carries the old A1 through the town, although the more modern road now bypasses the town to the west. The Royal Border Bridge is an impressive nineteenth century railway viaduct. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1850, it was built by Robert Stephenson, creating an important rail link between London and Edinburgh.The `Old Bridge', also known as `Berwick Bridge' dates from 1611. It is a fine red sandstone structure with fourteen arches. Until the nineteenth century it was the main crossing point of the Tweed at Berwick, but did not as might be expected link Northumberland to Scotland. It in fact linked the

Norhamshire

district of the County Palatine of Durham to the county burgh of Berwick upon Tweed. County boundaries are a little more logical today.A POEM ABOUT BERWICK"Berwick is an ancient town

A church without a steeple

A pretty girl at every door

And very generous people."

OR ?

"A bridge without a middle arch

A church without a steeple

A midden heap in every street

And damned conceited people."

The less complimentary verse is attributed to Robbie Burns”

http://www.englandsnortheast.co.uk/BerwickuponTweed.html

Witchcraft/ link to thunderhead? - could work well for video project:

“ This volume provides a valuable introduction to the key concepts of witchcraft and demonology through a detailed study of one of the best known and most notorious episodes of Scottish history, the North Berwick witch hunt, in which King James was involved as alleged victim, interrogator, judge and demonologist. It provides hitherto unpublished and inaccessible material from the legal documentation of the trials in a way that makes the material fully comprehensible, as well as full texts of the pamphlet News from Scotland and James' Demonology, all in a readable, modernised, scholarly form. Full introductory sections and supporting notes provide information about the contexts needed to understand the texts: court politics, social history and culture, religious changes, law and the workings of the court, and the history of witchcraft prosecutions in Scotland before 1590. The book also brings to bear on this material current scholarship on the history of European witchcraft. ”

http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/7635/

[scotianostra]

On December 22nd 1715 James Francis Stewart, “The Old Pretender”, landed in Peterhead from France.

Unfortunately it was all too late as the uprising had fizzled out after Mar’s inability to press forward after Sherrifmuir, so we shall take a look at where James Stuart cane ashore, the loyal town of Peterhead. Much of this is taken directly from testimony taken around the time of the Uprising.

The people of Peterhead were in the main loyal to the Sturts, and were involved in the Jacobite uprisings from beginning to end. The town proudly remembers the numbers involved and the names of some…..

In total the number of Peterhead folk called to arms in defence of the town were 138 men and 10 women – yes Peterhead women prepared to take up arms to fight for the King – Janet Dickie, Margaret Greig, Geills Scott, Margaret Dun, Elspat Mitchell, Janet Cruickshank, Mrs Walker, Elisa Bruce and Widow Bodie and Widow Brown. They were ordered to arm themselves with “ane sufficient gun charged with powder and bullets, and four spare shots besides, and ane sufficient sword” and to meet at the Cross on the appointed day, where they marched and took part in military drills. 7 Spanish cannons, salvaged from the St Michael in 1588 were taken from their position on the Battery at Keith Inch, pulled across the sand bank at the Quinzie (Queenie), and mounted on the Tolbooth Green, looking down Broad Street for the defence of the interior of the town.

On 9th September 1715 the Earl of Mar, appointed Commander-in-Chief by the exiled ‘Pretender’ King James, issued a Proclamation at Braemar signalling the start of the 1715 uprising:

“Now is the time for all good men to show their zeal for His Majesty’s service, whose cause is so deeply concerned, and the relief of our native country from oppression, and a foreign yoke too heavy for us and our posterity to bear; and to endeavour the restoring, not only of our rightful and native king, but also our country to its ancient, free and independent constitution under him whose ancestors have reigned over us for so many generations.”

On 25th October the exiled King James wrote to his supporters in Scotland: “We have not been able to look upon the present condition of our kingdoms, or to consider their future prospect without all the horror and indignation which ought to fill the breast of every Scotsman. We have beheld a foreign family, aliens to our country, distant in blood, and strangers even to our language, ascend to the throne.

“We are come to take our part in all the dangers and difficulties to which any of our subjects from the greatest down to the meanest may be exposed on this important occasion, to relieve our subjects of Scotland from the hardships they groan under and to restore the kingdom to its ancient, free and independent state.

“But we hope for better things. We hope to see our just rights and those of the church and people of Scotland, once more settled in a free and independent Scots Parliament on their

ancient foundation.”

On 31st October (Hallowe’en), the Magistrates and Town Council of Peterhead met at the Tolbooth (near the present Tolbooth Wynd), under the direction of the Secretary to the Earl of Erroll (from Slains Castle), George Leith, who was also Major General of Horses under the command of the Earl Marischal, with an order from the Earl of Mar, Chief Commander of King James’s forces in Scotland, which he read – ordering twelve of their number “to be ready mounted on horseback with sword and sufficient firelock, tomorrow precisely at six of the clock, to be witnesses to the said Mr Leith, his requiring the Lord Saltoun (of Fraserburgh) to give all due obedience to the foresaid orders.”

On 1st November (All Saints’ Day), 16 mounted “fenceable men” rode to Fraserburgh to proclaim the king. They were George Leith (Secretary to the Earl of Erroll), Bailie Cruickshank, Bailie Arbuthnot, Thomas Forbes, James Whyte, James Park, John Thomson, George Cruickshank, Alex. Smith (merchant), Robert Smith, John Logan, John Taylor, William Jollie, Alex. Forbes, James Blair & William Ramsay. The band of armed Jacobites rode off north towards Fraserburgh to “require” the Lord Saltoun to obey the orders from the Earl of Mar in support of King James.

About half a mile short of Fraserburgh the Peterhead band met Lord Saltoun and “obliged him to stop until the General’s orders were read to him.”It was demanded of him “what Party he inclined to join with” and that he “appear at His

Majesty’s Royal Standard”. Lord Saltoun answered that “he regarded neither Mr Leith nor his orders more than a footman” and further said that “at a whistle, he could raise a hundred men and cause them to fight all there present.”

Bailie Cruickshank answered that he believed they wouldn’t see them at Fraserburgh, where they immediately went and “proclaimed the King with all the solemnity we could, which we found did oblige the most of the inhabitants of that town.”

A party from the group went in search of arms, which they found in the chamber of the Clerk’s house. They broke open the door of the chamber with “ane big hammer” and found 24 new firelocks, proof marked, and all with A.R. (Anna Regina) on them, all charged with balls and gunpowder. The arms were taken back to Peterhead and handed to George Leith for the General’s use.

Later, a party of Jacobites, led by Irvine of Crimond, captured Lord Saltoun and forced him to go south to join the Jacobite army at Perth. Fraserburgh was then occupied by a Jacobite garrison, which compelled the inhabitants to contribute towards the payment of the soldiers.

On 13th November both the Earl Marischal and James Keith fought at the Battle of Sheriffmuir near Stirling. The Earl Marischal was 22 years old, and his brother 19 at the time of the Battle. James suffered a musket ball wound in his shoulder and spent the night in agony at Castle Drummond.

James Francis Edward Stuart (King James VIII) landed at Peterhead late on the night of 22nd December 1715 (O.S.), suffering from seasickness and fevers after having travelled 7 days (5 or 6 days according to other sources) by sea from Dunkirk in a well-armed vessel laden with a cargo of brandy. He arrived with six other gentlemen, including James Francis Fitzjames Stuart, grandson of King James VII, and Lieutenant Allan Cameron (a son of Lochiel), whom he sent immediately to Perth with the news of their arrival.

James Stuart was 27 years old, and this was the first time he had set foot in Britain since his father was driven into exile in 1688 (when James was six months old). He had lived at the Scots Court at Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris under the protection of the French King Louis XIV.

At first the small boat crept along the shore and attempted to enter the River Ugie, presumably to get as near as possible to Inverugie Castle, but “the night was wet and late the tide”, so they instead landed at the old pier of Port Henry Haven. The unexpected visitors were graciously received at the harbour by the Earl Marischal’s representative – the Baron Bailie Thomas Arbuthnot.

According to contemporary accounts they were “all habited like sea-officers, and passed for friends of the Pretender, going to Perth for his Service”. The vessel was despatched back to France with the news of James’s safe arrival.

They stayed the night at what is now Park Lane, near the Longate – at the house of the Baron Bailie’s brother-in-law, Captain James Park, merchant and ship owner. Here James wrote a short letter, dated “Peterhead, December 22nd, 1715” to say “I am, at last, thank God, in my own ancient kingdom as the bearer will tell you with all the particulars of my passage. I am weary and won’t delay a moment the bearer.”

A local song which commemorated the landing of the King at Peterhead was sung for many years after this event.

“King James is land’t at Peterhead, an honour great to us indeed.

The night was wet and late the tide, he couldna unto Ugie ride.

He slept a night in our good town, upon a good saft bed o’ down.

In the morning when he raise, the Marischal’s bailie brushed his claithes.

He’s come to set auld Scotland free from cursed Hanover tyranny.”

On the morning of 23rd December King James left by horseback, past Buchanhaven and then west by the old turnpike that skirted the south bank of the Ugie, to Inverugie Castle to visit the widowed Lady Mary Keith, mother of the Earl Marischal.

He passed the next night at Newburgh before carrying on to Aberdeen, accompanied only by a handful of horsemen, in ill health and in disguise. A contemporary account reports “’Tis said the Pretender is very much indisposed since his arrival, which is imputed to the great fatigue he has suffered at sea, and otherwise of late.”

The Earl Marischal and James Keith met King James for the first time at Fetteresso on 27th December, making their way to Dundee on 6th January, James Stuart entering the town with the Earl of Mar riding at his right hand and the Marischal at his left.

On 7th January 1716, they briefly set up court at Scone and arrived at Perth on 8th January.

On 30th January, the King, along with the two Keith brothers, the Earl of Mar and other main supporters, made for Montrose, where the King sailed back to France on 4th February 1716 on the ‘Maria Teresa of St Malo’. James Stuart had been only 43 days on Scottish soil. The Earl of Mar accompanied him back to France and served as his Secretary of State until 1722.

The first picture is a contemporary (if fanciful) illustration which appeared in a news sheet at the time. Clearly drawn by someone who had never visited Peterhead, it shows James Francis Stuart’s arrival the second at Proclamation Pend in the town of Peterhead celebrates arguably one of the most most historic event in the towns history.

[scotianostra]

13th November 1715 saw the Battle of Sheriffmuir

There are some dates in history that are etched in your head, like as soon as you see it, or the date is mentioned an event springs to mind, it may be Bannockburn, or Culloden, while I certainly know these dates, Sherrifmuir for some reason is the date that is most recognisable for me, it's strange as the battle holds no special memory and I have no known connection to the battle, it is just "there"….. anyway……. On the hills near Dunblane the Jacobite army under the Earl of Mar was prevented from taking southern Scotland by a much smaller government force.

There was no real winner on the day at Sherrifmuir, Bobbin' John's indecision however left the '15 uprising all but over.

John Erskine, 23rd Earl of Mar had initially been an enthusiastic supporter of George I on the latter's accession to the throne in 1714. But after being publicly snubbed by the new king, Mar decided to back a different horse, and on 1st September 1715 raised a standard for "King James VIII" at Braemar. He rapidly gathered an enthusiastic army of 10,000 men and started to gain considerable ground in northern Scotland. There were three main problems with all of this. The first was that Mar had neglected to tell James in advance of his planned uprising; the second was that he had failed to coordinate his actions with Jacobite uprisings that by coincidence occurred in England at the same time; and the third was that Mar was a very poor general.

Forget the '45 and The Bonnie Prince this was by far the best opportunity the Jacobites would ever have of regaining power and it was squandered.

Had Mar's army pressed on and took the open road ahead of them they might very well have gathered more volunteers along the way and pushed the Hanoverian troops south. James Stuart never arrived until December 22nd, too late to galvanise anything from the situation, the Jacobites still held Perth but by the end of January they had abandoned it and few days later on February 4th the Scottish King and his general sailed for France from Montrose, never to return to Scotland. Remember this was only 8 years after the Union was forced upon the ordinary Scot, there should have been more enthuism for the cause, yet it was not to be, maybe is that sense of what if that makes Sherrifmuir such a vivid memory for me?

[scotianostra]

On November 14th 1715 a Jacobite army surrendered after the Battle of Preston.

The English force setting out from north-east England was joined by Scottish Jacobites in the Borders and then marched south through Carlisle and Lancaster but were joined by fewer supporters than expected on the way.

The main Jacobite forces arrived in Preston on 10 November. They proclaimed James VIII/ III, as king from the steps of the cross which stood in the Market Square (commonly known as the Flag Market).

Meanwhile, a government army was moving North. In response, the Jacobites took over the centre of Preston and set up barricades on the main streets into the town.

The main fighting took place on 12 November. Jacobite troops defended the town centre, it looked like there would be no clear winner, but additional government troops arrived the following day. The Jacobites were split about whether to continue fighting, but their leader Forster chose to surrender early on 14th November. This is often regarded as the last battle on English soil.

During all this the a larger Jacobite army was fighting the government at the Battle of Sherrifmuir, which I posted about yesterday.

[scotianostra]

23rd February 1716 saw Lady Winifred Maxwell, Countess of Nithsdale, help her husband William escape from the Tower of London.

This is a great tale of a brave woman putting her own life on the line to help her husband escape.

Winifred Herbert was the daughter of William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis. Her parents accompanied James VII into exile in 1688 and her mother became governess of the young James Francis Edward Stuart, later to be known as the "Old Pretender". Winifred herself became a lady-in-waiting at the Jacobite Royal Court. On 2 March 1699, at the age of 27, she married William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale, a member of a Scottish Catholic family.

The family returned home to Scotland in 1699 an settled back into life at their home at Terregles Castle near Dumfries. Maxwell worked hard to dispel suspicions of him in Scotland because of his Catholicism and his links with the Jacobites. However, he did come out in support of the Jacobites in the 1715 Uprising, and joined with the Northumbrian Jacobites under General Thomas Forster at Hexham. He was captured with other Jacobites at Preston and sent to the Tower of London. He was subsequently found guilt of treason the sentence was death and was to be carried out on February 24th 1716.

Winifred travelled to London to ask George I for clemency, but none was forthcoming. On the night of 23 February, the eve of the date set for her husband's execution, Winifred her maid, and two friends visited William at the Tower of London. Winifred distributed a generous amount of drinking money to the guards, and the women proceeded to come and go from William's cell, mingling with the wives of the guards and generally raising confusion about who was in the cell and who was not. Meanwhile, Winifred shaved William's beard and dressed him in spare women's clothing brought in for the purpose, including what has since become known as the "Nithsdale Cloak". William was then led from the Tower disguised as a woman by Winifred's maid, Evans, while Winifred herself covered the escape by carrying on a loud conversation with her - now departed - husband in an otherwise empty cell, before making good her own escape.

Winifred and William hid in London until he could be smuggled to France disguised as a servant of the Venetian Ambassador. Winifred herself then rode to Traquair House in Scotland to retrieve a number of family papers and arrange for their property to be cared for. She then, despite a huge search for her and her husband, returned to London, and traveled to the Continent. She eventually rejoined her husband at the exiled court of James Francis Edward Stuart in Rome. Winifred later became governess to Henry Benedict Stuart, the younger brother of Bonnie Prince Charlie

[scotianostra]

On 14th September 1715 Jacobite forces commanded by John Erskine, 23rd Earl of Mar, took Perth with no opposition.

The Jacobite army grew to around 8,000 men. A force of fewer than 2,000 men under the Duke of Argyll held the Stirling plain for the government and Mar “Bobbin John” indecisively kept his forces in Perth. He waited for the Earl of Seaforth to arrive with a body of northern clans. Seaforth was delayed by attacks from other clans loyal to the government.

Planned risings in Wales, Devon and Cornwall were forestalled by the government arresting the local Jacobites.

This should have been King James,´the Old Pretender´s´ ideal opportunity but the campaign proved a shambles. The main force under the Earl of Mar achieved some early success, but his inability to press forward and make big decisions cost him dear.

They camped at Perth until November before marching south towards Stirling, where they met Government forces just north of the city at Sheriffmuir. More of that in a couple of months.

Pics are a Jacobite memorial to both the 15 & 45 Uprisings, and a depiction of a council of war Mar held before Sherrifmuir

[scotianostra]

November 13th 1715 saw the Battle of Sheriffmuir, the only major battle in what became known as the '15 Jacobite uprising.

First, a little bit of background just to set the scene. In 1714, George I succeeded Queen Anne to the throne as the first ruler of the Hanoverian line. Tensions were already high in some areas following the 1707 Union which was not fully supported across the country. Following his ascension George I, a German from Hanover who could not speak English, managed to alienate more people including a range of former supporters of Anne and now there were more people willing to try to return a Stuart to the throne.

The Earl of Mar had initially been an enthusiastic supporter of George I, but after being publicly snubbed by the new king, Mar decided to back a different horse, and on 1 September 1715 raised a standard for King James VIII at Braemar. Mar began to raise forces to march south to join with English Jacobites, in an attempt to return a Stuart to the throne. To counter the uprising the government dispatched a combination of Scottish and English regiments under the command of the Duke of Argyll. During October there were various manoeuvres between the two armies. Then on the 10th November the Jacobite army marched south from Perth, reaching Kinbuick, just north east of Dunblane on the 12th November. The Duke of Argyll had marched north and was already at Dunblane, intending to intercept the Jacobite force.

If you follow my posts you know I like to draw on first hand accounts of history, so here is a full transcript from a Jacobite viewpoint. Some of the Scots terms for words are translated in the brackets.

Sunday 13th. The Earl of Mar gave orders for the whole army to form on the muir [moor], to the left of the road that leads to Dunblane, fronting to Dunblane. The general persons were ordered to their posts, the Stirling squadron [unit] with the king’s standard [royal flag] and two squadrons of the Marquis of Huntly formed the right of the first line of horses. All the clans formed the first line of foot [infantry soldiers who fought in face-to-face combat]. The Perth Shyre [Perthshire] and Fife Shyre [Fifeshire] formed the left of the first line of horses. The Earl of Marischal’s [George Keith, 10th Earl Marischal c1692-1778] squadron on the right of the second line, three battalions of the Marquis of Senforth’s foot, two battalions of my Lord Huntly’s, the Earl of Panmure’s, the Marquis of Tullibardine’s. The battalions of Drummond commanded by the Viscount of Strathallan and Logiealmond, the battalion of Strowan and the Sturgis squadron of horse formed the second lines. When the army was forming, we discovered some small number of the enemy on the height of the west end of the Sheriff muir which looks into Dunblane from which place they had a full view of our army. The Earl of Mar called a council of war consisting of all the noblemen, general officers and lairds [lords] of the clans, which was held on the front of the horses on the left. Where it was voted to fight the enemy nemine contradicente [without contradiction; of one mind]. Upon which the Earl of Mar ordered the Earl of Marischal Major General of the horses with his own squadron and Sir Donald MacDonald’s battalion, to march up to the height where we saw the enemy and dislodge them and send an account of the enemy’s motion [movement] and disposition [state]. No sooner the Earl Marischal begun his march but the enemy disappeared and the Earl of Mar ordered the army to march up after them, by the other general’s orders, the lines marched off the right, divided in the centre, and marched up the hill in lines, after marching about a quarter of a mile, the Earl of Marischal sent back an account that he discovered the enemy forming their line very near him, to the south of top of the hill, upon which the army,

particularly the horse, was ordered to march up very quickly and form to the enemy; but by the breaking of their lines in marching off, they fell in some confusion in the forming and some of the second line of foot jumbled into the first, on or near the left and some of the horse formed near the centre which seems to have been the occasion that the enemy’s few squadrons on the right were not routed [defeated & dismissed] as the rest.

The Earl of Mar placed himself at the head of the clans, and finding the enemy only forming their lines thought fit to attack them in that posture[ position], sent Colonel William Clephon, adjutant- general to the Marquis of Drummond, lieutenant-general of the horse on the right and to lieutenant-general Gordon on the right of the line of foot and major David Erskine, one of his aide-de-camp [military officer serving as personal assistant], to the left with orders to march up and attack immediately: and upon their return, pulling off his hat, waved it with a ‘huzzah’ and advanced to the front of the enemy’s formed battalions. Upon which all the line to the right, being of the clans led by Sir Donald McDonald’s brother, Glengarry, captain of clan Ranald. Sir John McLean, Glencoe, Campbell of Glenlyon, Colonel of Broadalbin’s, and brigadier Ogilvy of Boyne with Colonel Gordon of Glenbuckett at the head of one of Huntly’s battalions made a most furious attack, so that in seven or eight minutes we could neither perceive the form of a squadron or battalion of the enemy before us. We drove the main body and left of the enemy in this manner for about half a mile, killing and taking prisoners, all that we could undertake. The Earl of Mar endeavoured to stop our foot and put them in some order to follow the enemy which we saw making off in some small bodies [small groups] from a little hill below towards Dunblane where the Earl of Mar resolved to follow them to complete the victory when an account was brought him that our left and most of our second line had given way and the enemy was pursuing them down the back of the hill and had taken our artillery. Immediately, the Earl of Mar gave orders for the horse to wheel and put the foot in order as fast as could be, marches back with them: when he was again near the top of the hill two squadrons of the enemy’s grey dragoons [British Army] were perceived marching towards us: when they came near the top of the hill and saw us advancing in order to attack them, they made faster down the hill then they came up and joined at the foot of the hill to a small squadron or two of the black dragoons and a small battalion of foot which we judge had marched about

the west of the hill, joined them. At first they again seemed to form on the low ground and advanced towards us: but when they saw us marching down the hill upon them they fled off very speedily to Dunblane. The Earl of Mar remained possessed of the field of battle and our own artillery and stood upon the ground till after sunset and then considering that the army had no covering nor victuals [food] all the night before and none to be had nearer than Braco, Ardoch, and adjacents, where his lordship expected the left to rally and the battalions of Lord George Murray, inner right, MacPherson and MacGregor to join, resolved to draw off the artillery and march the army to that place where were some provisions. There were two carriages of the guns broke, which we left on the road: but those battalions did not join till next day afternoon, before which the enemy’s army was returned to Stirling.

We took the Earl of Forfar who was dangerously wounded. Colonels Laurence [possibly Laurence Oliphant of Gask] and ten or twelve captains and subalterns [officer below rank of captain] and about two hundred sergeants and private men and the Lord of Glenkindie, one of the volunteers, four pairs of colours [battalion flags], several drummers and about fourteen or fifteen hundred foot under arms. We compute [calculate] that there lay killed upon the field of battle about seven or eight hundred of the enemy. And thus we cannot make an exact account of their loss yet this is certain, that those lay dead upon the field above is of the enemy none of ours besides the number of the wounded which must be very great.

The prisoners taken by us were civilly [respectfully] used and none of them stripped, some allowed to return to Stirling upon their parole*. And the officers have the liberty of the town of Perth. The few prisoners taken by the enemy are useless now most of them stripped and found wounded after taken. The Earl of Panmure being one of the prisoners wounded after taken, they having refused his parole, was left in a village, and by the hasty retreat of the enemy, upon the approach of our army, was rescued by his brother and his servants and carried off.

*Parole

This was the word of honour of a prisoner of war who is granted freedom only after promising not to engage in further fighting until formally exchanged by the other side.

Again you might know I like nothing more than a wee poem, so to some up what happened at Sheriffmuir....

'Some say that we wan and some say that they wan

And some say that nane won at a', man.

But one thing I'm sure that at Sheriffmuir

A battle was there which I saw man.

And we ran and they ran, and they ran and we ran

And we ran and they ran awa' man.'

Basically both sides claimed victory, the truth is no one won on the day, but Mar never pressed hi army any further and the '15 was, for all intents, over. The pic shows the transcript of the Jacobite account.

[scotianostra]

September 6th 1715 saw John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, unfurl the standard of James Francis Edward Stuart at Braemar.

John Erskine, who was variously entitled the 6th or 11th Earl of Mar, was one of the leading architects of the 'Act of Union' between Scotland and England in 1707. Alongside the Earl of Loudoun, Mar held the office of Secretary of State, but found himself dismissed in 1709. By 1711, he was already doubting the worth of the union. When Queen Anne died in 1714, Mar was snubbed by the new Hanoverian King, George I. As a result, Mar was quick to join the Jacobite cause.

The dignity of the ceremony itself was upset when the gilt ball on top of the standard fell to the ground, an event considered to be an ill omen by the watching Highlanders. Mar made a speech, regretting his own part in pushing through the Act of Union in 1707 and now admitting it to be a mistake.

Heading north from London, he raised the standard at Braemar for the 'Old Pretender', Prince James Francis Edward Stewart and was joined by many landowners from north-east Scotland. James was proclaimed king in his absence at the Mercat Cross in Aberdeen. However, Mar was no soldier and deployed his support poorly. A part of his force moved into England, but was forced to surrender at Preston, Lancashire, while Mar himself met the Duke of Argyll in battle at Sheriffmuir. Technically a stalemate, Mar was the moral loser of this battle because he was forced to withdraw from his position.

James himself now belatedly arrived and was crowned as James VIII at Scone. However, by February 1716, he was on his way back to France with Mar at his side. As a result, the 1715 Rebellion was over before it had hardly started and John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, or 'Bobbing John' as he came to be called, was much ridiculed for his part in its failure and for his ability to change sides.

The first pic is titled "John Erskine, Earl of Mar proclaiming James VIII King of Scotland, England, France and Ireland, 6 September 1715, Braemar, From British Battles on Land and Sea, by James Grant"

[scotianostra]

February 24th 1716 saw the execution of two leading Jacobites, William Gordon, 6th Viscount of Kenmure and James Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, but not William Maxwell! 

If you remember yesterdays post William had escaped the day before, with the help of his wife  Lady Winifred.

The 1715 Uprising Jacobites threw themselves upon the mercy of Westminster, and were sentenced to death by the Lord Chancellor William Cowper. Only half managed to wrangle mercy from the crown.

Derwent spent part of his youth in exile as the companion of the young James VIII at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. He received permission to return to England in 1709 and quickly established himself as the leader of the Jacobites in Northumberland.

Following his capture at Preston and execution in London he became a tragic hero of songs and ballads. He may have been an Englishman but if the Corries thought him worthy of a song that’s good enough for me.

His partner at the chop, Lord Kenmure, was a Scottish Jacobite. William Gordon was the only son of Alexander Gordon, 5th Viscount of Kenmure of Kenmure Castle and succeeded his father on his death in 1698. He had received a commission from the earl of Mar to raise the Jacobites in the south of Scotland, and first appeared in arms, at the head of 150 horse, on the 11th October, at Moffat, where he proclaimed King James VIII as King. With a Jacobite force he marched into England, and was present at the battle of Preston in Lancashire, on 13th November of the same year.

On the defeat of the rebels and their surrender at discretion, he was conveyed a prisoner to the Tower of London. His trial for high treason took place before the House of Lords on 19th January 1716, when he pleaded guilty, and on 9th February, with the other rebel lords he received sentence of death, and his estates and titles were forfeited to the crown.

On the morning of the 24th February, he was beheaded on Towerhill shortly after Derwent. He expressed his regret for pleading guilty to the charge of high treason, and prayed for “King James.” He presented the executioner with eight guineas, and on laying his head on the block, that “functionary struck it off at two blows.” Not to be outdone by Derwent he also made the folk playlist in O Kenmure’s On And Awa , Willie.

The Corries, tell the story in the song Derwentwater’s Farewell 

Farewell to pleasant Dilston My father's ancient seat A stranger must now call thee his Which gars my heart to greet; Farewell each friendly well known face My heart has held so dear My tenants now must leave their lands Or hold their lives in fear No more along the banks of Tyne I'll rove in autumn grey No more I'll hear at early dawn The lav'rocks wake the day; And who shall deck the hawthorn bower Where my fond children strayed? And who, when spring shall bid it flower Shall sit beneath the shade? And fare thee well, George Collingwood Since fate has put us down If thou and I have lost our lives Our King has lost his crown; But when the head that wears the crown Shall be laid low like mine Some honest hearts may then lament For Radcliffe's fallen line Farewell, farewell, my lady dear Ill, ill, thou councell'dst me I never more may see the babe That smiles at your knee; Then fare ye well brave Widdrington And Foster ever true; Dear Shaftsbury and Errington Receive my last adieu And fare thee well my bonny grey steed That carried me aye so free I wish I'd been asleep in my bed Last time I mounted thee; The warning bell now bids me cease My trouble's nearly oer Yon sun that rises from the sea Shall rise on me no more

And when the head that wears a crown Shall be laid low like mine Some honest hearts may then lament For Radcliffe's fallen line Farewell to pleasant Dilston hall My father's ancient seat A stranger now must call thee his Which gars my heart to greet

[scotianostra]

23rd February 1716 saw Lady Winifred Maxwell, Countess of Nithsdale, help her husband William escape from the Tower of London.

A cool wee tale of bravery and a strong Scottish woman putting herself in danger to save her husband.

Winifred Herbert was the daughter of William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis. Her parents accompanied James VII into exile in 1688 and her mother became governess of the young James Francis Edward Stuart, later to be known as the “Old Pretender”. Winifred herself became a lady-in-waiting at the Jacobite Royal Court. On 2 nd March 1699, at the age of 27, she married William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale, a member of a Scottish Jacobite  family.

The family returned home to Scotland in 1699 an settled back into life at their home at Terregles Castle near Dumfries.  Maxwell worked hard to dispel suspicions of him in Scotland because of his Catholicism and his links with the Jacobites.  However, he did come out in support of the Jacobites in the 1715 Uprising, and joined with the Northumbrian Jacobites under General Thomas Forster at Hexham. He was captured with others at Preston and sent to the Tower of London. He was subsequently found guilty of treason the sentence was death and was to be carried out on February 24th 1716.

Winifred travelled to London to ask George I for clemency, but none was forthcoming. On the night of 23rd February, the eve of the date set for her husband’s execution, Winifred her maid, and two friends visited William at the Tower of London. Winifred distributed a generous amount of drinking money to the guards, and the women proceeded to come and go from William’s cell, mingling with the wives of the guards and generally raising confusion about who was in the cell and who was not.  Meanwhile, Winifred shaved William’s beard and dressed him in spare women’s clothing brought in for the purpose, including what has since become known as the “Nithsdale Cloak”. William was then led from the Tower disguised as a woman by Winifred’s maid, Evans, while Winifred herself covered the escape by carrying on a loud conversation with her - now departed - husband in an otherwise empty cell, before making good her own escape.

Winifred and William hid in London until he could be smuggled to France disguised as a servant of the Venetian Ambassador. She herself then rode to Traquair House in the Scottish Borders to retrieve a number of family papers and arrange for their property to be cared for. She then, despite a huge search for her and her husband, returned to London, and travelled to the Continent where she eventually re-joined her husband at the exiled court of James Francis Edward Stuart in Rome.

Winifred later became governess to Henry Benedict Stuart, the younger brother of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The day after the escape William Gordon, 6th Viscount of Kenmure and James Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater met there end, look out for more on this tomorrow, and a beautiful wee Jacobite song from the Corries called Derwentwater’s Farewell

[scotianostra]

On 9th January 1716 James Francis Edward Stuart arrived at Perth.

On 26th August 1715 John Erskine, Earl of Mar, raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar in the highlands, around the same time a Jacobite uprising was quickly crushed.   On 13 November the crushing government victory at Preston completely extinguished any immediate hope of a rising in northern England. The battle of Sheriffmuir on the same day proved inconclusive militarily, Mar’s indecision meant his army stalled when it could have moved on into the lowlands of Scotland.

In France, however, Sheriffmuir was represented as a great Jacobite triumph. James III had already arranged to go to Scotland; on 28th October he left Bar-le-Duc and, disguised as a French bishop, crossed France, reaching the coast near St Malo on 8 November. For the next eight weeks he roamed the channel coast, waiting fruitlessly for news of a renewed rebellion in England; finally, in December he embarked at Dunkirk aboard a small privateer, accompanied by only a few attendants, landing at Peterhead. 

Next day he went to Newburgh, a seat of the Earl Marischal. Passing through Aberdeen in disguise, he journeyed south to Fetteresso, another seat of Marischal’s, where he was joined by Mar and a small group of gentlemen from the army at Perth. On Mar’s arrival James laid aside his disguise and his arrival in Scotland was publicly announced. A privy council was formed and proclamations were issued in the name of James VIII of Scotland and III of England, one of which appointed his coronation to take place at Scone (which it never did). 

The magistrates of Aberdeen—Mar’s nominees—went to pay him homage, and the episcopal clergy enthusiastically welcomed him. On 2nd January 1716 James began his journey south, via Brechin and Glamis, to Dundee, where he made a state entry, the populace receiving him with enthusiasm and no signs of hostility. He then travelled at a leisurely pace to Scone Palace outside Perth, arriving there on 9th January, where he established his court with the "observances and etiquette appropriate to royalty."