Working with historians, archaeologists and local partners the Gaelic Society of Inverness and XPO North, the Trust has created a thought-provoking programme in the 275th year since the historic battle. They aim to share the latest research and in doing so promote the protection of the battlefield.
On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites.
A special online service to remember the events of 16 April 1746 and the many who fell will begin at 11am on Saturday 17 April 2021.
Talks by historian Professor Christopher Duffy and archaeologist Derek Alexander will consider the significance of the latest map and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) analysis of the site and its impact on our understanding of the battle. In addition, art historian Count Peter Pininski will reveal insights into the real character of Charles Edward Stuart, the driving force behind the 1745 uprising which ended at Culloden.
The full programme and booking information is available at https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/culloden-275 .
National Trust for Scotland Operations Manager for Culloden, Raoul Curtis-Machin said: “We are really excited about the latest LIDAR analysis and historical research. Having a better understanding of Culloden Moor’s boggy uneven terrain will help inform the physical challenges faced by the Jacobites.
“We look forward to welcoming people from all over the globe as we remember 16 April 1746, and consider how it continues to resonate, almost three centuries on.”
The battlefield is under greater threat than ever from developments, and there will be interactive debate and discussion about how it can be better protected through Culloden 300, a Trust initiative which seeks to establish how people would like the site to look in 2046, 300 years after the battle.
To help the conservation charity respond to the ongoing challenge of protecting and preserving the site of the UK’s last pitched battle, it is launching Culloden’s Fighting Fund – https://www.nts.org.uk/campaigns/cullodens-fighting-fund.
Raoul adds: “As a charity, we rely on voluntary income and a donation to Culloden’s Fighting Fund will help us conserve and protect the moor for future generations.”
Donations will fund the fight against future development proposals that would encroach on the battlefield, ensuring the protection of this significant place for Scottish heritage. Culloden Battlefield is regularly threatened by residential and commercial developments and the Trust has recently objected to three residential housing plans.
The money will also help educate children across Scotland and beyond about the importance of the Jacobite Rising and how Culloden changed the course of European history.
Some will also go towards the care of the animals who graze the battlefield to ensure the moor doesn’t become overgrown. A small herd of goats, ponies and Highland and Shetland cows keep the grass short, just as they would have done years ago, ensuring that the site looks as it would have in the 18th century.
Culloden Battlefield is accessible to local visitors in line with current Scottish Government restrictions. The visitor centre is currently closed.
For up-to-date information on the battle, and the centre, visit www.nts.org.uk .
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