The Battle of Culloden

The Battle of Culloden

The battle of Culloden lasted less than an hour, but its impact on Scottish history was profound, leading to the suppression of Highland culture and the end of the Jacobite cause.

Today, Culloden Battlefield is preserved as a solemn and educational site, allowing visitors to explore the land where thousands of men fought and died.

This guide provides everything you need to know to visit Culloden, understand its history, and appreciate the significance of this haunting location.

Getting to Culloden battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is located about five miles east of Inverness, making it easily accessible by car, bus, or even by foot for those who enjoy a longer walk. If driving, follow the B9006 from Inverness, and you’ll find clear signage leading to the battlefield and visitor centre. Public transport options include regular buses from Inverness city centre.

A brief history

The battle took place on a cold and boggy moor, where the exhausted Jacobite forces, many of them Highland clansmen, faced a well-organized and better-equipped British army. The Jacobites, outnumbered and outgunned, launched a desperate Highland charge, but the government forces held their lines and decimated their ranks with muskets and cannon fire. Within an hour, the Jacobites were defeated, and thousands were killed or wounded. In the aftermath, the British imposed brutal measures to dismantle Highland culture, banning kilts, bagpipes, and clan gatherings.

Exploring Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland and offers a mix of outdoor exploration and interactive exhibits to help visitors understand the site’s history.

The visitor centre

The Culloden Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for your visit. The centre features:

• A 360-Degree Immersive Film: This short but powerful film places visitors in the midst of the battle, providing a visceral sense of the chaos and brutality of the conflict.

• Historical Exhibits: Artifacts from the battle, including weapons, clothing, and personal items from soldiers, help bring the story to life.

• Jacobite and Government Perspectives: The exhibition presents both sides of the battle, allowing visitors to understand the motivations, strategies, and consequences for both the Jacobites and the British government forces.

• Genealogy Resources: Those with Scottish ancestry can explore records to see if their ancestors were involved in the battle.

Walking the battlefield

Stepping outside onto the battlefield itself is a moving experience. The vast moorland, with its windswept grass and solemn atmosphere, remains largely unchanged since 1746. Key points to visit include:

• The Memorial Cairn: This large stone monument commemorates the fallen Jacobite soldiers and serves as a focal point for remembrance.

• Clan Grave Markers: The battlefield is dotted with engraved stones marking the mass graves of various Highland clans who fought and died here. Some of the most notable include markers for the MacDonalds, Frasers, and Camerons.

• The Well of the Dead: This small, somber well marks the spot where Alexander MacGillivray, a Jacobite officer, was killed during the battle.

• The Leanach Cottage: A small thatched-roof cottage that dates back to the time of the battle, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of the people who lived on this land.

• The British Redcoat Line: Markers indicate where the government troops stood during the battle, offering a sense of the battlefield’s layout and scale.

Experiencing the haunting atmosphere

Many visitors describe Culloden as an eerie and emotional place. The sense of loss is palpable, especially when standing among the clan graves. The battlefield has been the subject of numerous ghost stories, with reports of strange sounds, apparitions, and even the faint echoes of battle cries carried by the wind.

Nearby attractions

Culloden is surrounded by other fascinating historic sites worth exploring:

• Clava Cairns: Just a short drive from Culloden, this ancient burial site features standing stones and chambered cairns dating back over 4,000 years.

• Fort George: Built after the battle to control the Highlands, this massive fortress remains one of the best-preserved 18th-century military structures in Europe.

• Inverness: The nearby city offers attractions such as Inverness Castle, the River Ness, and a range of museums and traditional pubs.

Practical information for visitors

• Opening Hours: The Culloden Visitor Centre is open year-round, though hours vary by season. It’s best to check the National Trust for Scotland website for up-to-date times.

• Entry Fees: There is an admission fee for the visitor centre, but access to the battlefield itself is free.

• Guided Tours: The site offers guided tours led by expert historians who provide deeper insight into the battle and its aftermath.

• Facilities: The visitor centre includes a café, gift shop, and restrooms.

Tips for visiting

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: The battlefield can be wet and muddy, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

• Take Your Time: The site is best experienced at a slow pace, allowing for reflection and a deeper connection to history.

• Respect the Site: Culloden is a war grave, so visitors should be mindful of its significance and treat it with reverence.

• Visit Early or Late in the Day: To avoid crowds and experience the site in its most atmospheric state, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon.

A visit to Culloden Battlefield is a deeply moving experience, offering both a powerful history lesson and a chance to reflect on Scotland’s past. Walking across the battlefield, among the grave markers and under the vast Highland sky, brings the tragic events of 1746 to life in a way that no book or film can fully capture. Whether you are drawn to Culloden by history, ancestry, or a simple curiosity about Scotland’s heritage, it is a place that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.