Menostory; Men And History

Stepping back a day from the aquarium visit (...what? Missed Friday's post? Go back!), I filled in the day between leaving Alness and getting to Macduff by visiting Culloden. 

Father took us little Macs to this ancient battlefield several times in our kiddie years. We used to run all over the place, seeking out the memorial stones and climbing on the cairn. I recall my dad reaching the top of it. Those were the years long before this place came under the care and ministrations of the National Trust for Scotland. Now, strictly stick to the paths and feet off all stones. They are, after all, effectively grave markers. Although it is acknowledged, the stones were placed a century after the events of 1746, and the majority are combination stones as no one clan could necessarily be separated from another, and placements of bodies could not be accurate.

It had been a forty-mile drive to the field, so I availed myself of the free EV charging for The Grey and took him up to 99%. I had elevenses before going into the visitor centre. Here, for the first time, I flashed my shiny new NTS member card for entry. The lass behind the counter advised me that, as a member, I was also entitled to go on the guided tour for free, and the 11 o'clock was due to start. Perfect! I knew the history well, but having Iona provide slick and precise facts and dates with a good degree of humour sprinkled in was pleasant.

The red flag behind her is one of the half dozen that mark the line held by the Duke of Cumberland's men. Of the 1300 men who died on that field in a battle that was little more than an hour in duration, only about 50 were from the King's side. The remaining 1250 were Jacobites. It is worth bearing in mind that some of the King's 50 may well have been Scots. This was not a Scottish v English clash, as many would believe, but throne against throne, Stuarts vs. Hanovarians. Just as with right versus left in politics, families were torn asunder due to the sides taken. You can read a little bit more HERE. The next image is the Jacobite line (blue flag - distant!)

There is one building that has been restored, a shepherd's bothy. It stands sentinel, hunkered among the heather, wildflowers and a small stand of trees. Although more or less rebuilt from almost ruin, it retains a deep sense of connection to the history of this place.

Among the many wildflowers and grasses, I was delighted to find Birds-foot Trefoil and Spotted (aka Northern Marsh) Orchids. Come back tomorrow to see those and more shots from Culloden and the aquarium!