Stuarts and Jacobites
Description:
Stuarts and Jacobites are inseparable in our land. As Henry W. Morton rightly observed in his travel notes: "Against the Stuarts was their evil fate and incompetent generals directing military operations." This fate put an end not only to the dynasty itself, but also to the entire system of mountain clans, many of whom were Jacobites. This tour brings up a whole layer of Scottish history, which I try to present in a playful way as possible.
1. It is impossible to experience the tragedy of the Stuart dynasty and the entire mountain clan system without visiting the battlefield of Culloden, which occurred on April 16, 1746 near the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. It was also the sad finale of the Jacobite uprisings.
When you walk through this swampy desert area and see the incredibly losing disposition of hungry mountaineers exhausted by a sleepless night, you can easily understand why the active phase of the battle lasted only twenty minutes, and why it all resembled a massacre rather than a battle. You can even be transported to the battlefield itself, entering a kind of time machine at the Memorial Complex and watching theatrical shows that the Scots reproduce with their inherent skill and enthusiasm. Or you can arrange a photo shoot yourself, armed with real mountain swords and shields.
2. After seeing everything on the way to Inverness, it would be good to look at Culloden House, the family estate of the famous Forbes. There at the very time to enjoy a cup of excellent coffee or tea and plunge into the head of history. After all, this elegant mansion with adjoining pavilions for a short time captured and made his temporary residence Handsome Prince Charlie.
3. And now it’s time to head to the legendary Inverness Castle, which once slammed the doors in front of Queen Mary Stuart! But he managed to blow up her descendant, Handsome Prince Charlie, retreating after a crushing defeat. The castle was restored only after almost two centuries in a new guise and gave shelter to the Sheriff Court.
Right in the foreground in the center froze in the age-old waiting impressive sculpture of the national heroine Flora McDonald, who saved from the persecution of the same rebellious Prince Carl (Charles) Edward Stewart, dressing him in the women’s clothes of his maid... A very instructive story, the best demonstration of the contradictions of the Scottish character!
Well, after that, it is not a sin to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the city of Inverness, which stretches along both banks of the Ness River, and marvel at the wild rabbits peacefully pinching grass on the castle slope. Yes, and enjoy Scottish national dishes in the nearby tavern.