The Jacobite rebellions of the 17th and 18th centuries were a defining chapter in Scottish history. Supporters of the exiled King James VII of Scotland and II of England—known as Jacobites—sought to restore his bloodline to the throne. The most famous uprising came in 1745 when Prince Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie, led a daring but doomed campaign to reclaim the crown.
Battles raged from Killiecrankie to Culloden, where, in April 1746, the Jacobite army faced the Duke of Cumberland’s forces in a brutal confrontation. In less than an hour, around 1,600 men perished—1,500 of them Jacobites. This tragic defeat crushed the rebellion and led to sweeping changes in the Highlands, dismantling a way of life that had endured for centuries.
Today, the Highland Rose, a Jacobite Living History Group, keeps the spirit of the Jacobites alive. Their members reenact battle techniques, showcase Highland weapons like broadswords and Lochaber axes, and preserve traditional crafts and ways of life, such as weaving, leatherwork, and historical cooking. Through their dedication, they bring Scotland’s rich past to life, honouring those who fought and fell for their cause.
Don't miss the entertaining and insightful display of the Highland Rose at the upcoming Hunter Valley Highland Games, where they will recreate the traditional way of life the Jacobites which was forgotten as a result of the English.
