The Jacobite Rebellion

The Jacobites were historic supporters of King James VII, his son James Frances Edward Stuart, and his grandson, Charles Edward Stuart, who was also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Their main aim was to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne, although their tactics often led to turbulent and bloody outcomes.

Today, portrayals of the Jacobites can be seen across blockbuster film & TV, in literature and poetry, and in our varied museums and galleries. You may have already heard of the Jacobites, from the popular TV series Outlander.

Highly romanticised in stories and songs, the Jacobite Risings were a much bleaker affair in reality – marked by bloody and divisive uprisings, rebellions, and fighting. There were many battles during the Jacobite rebellions, at sites including Killiecrankie and Culloden. The Jacobites failed to restore the Stuarts to the throne, ultimately leading to the tragic Battle of Culloden that changed communities and the infrastructure of the Highlands forever.

In 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie launched an attempt to reclaim the throne his grandfather, King James VII of Scotland and II of England, lost in 1688. Those who continued to support the exiled James II became known as "Jacobites".

The Jacobite Risings of 1689 - 1690

Viscount Dundee, James' most zealous Scottish supporter, rallied troops and turned to military action against William and Mary's government forces. The first Jacobite rising broke out, but popular support for a Jacobite war wasn't forthcoming.

• Led by:  John Graham of Claverhouse - Viscount Dundee - also known as "Bonnie Dundee"
• Main Jacobite battles: Battle of Killiecrankie (1689), Dunkeld Siege (1689), Massacre of Glencoe (1692)

Visit Killiecrankie

Visit Glencoe Visitor Centre

Isle of Eriskay - Follow the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail through the Outer Hebrides. Eriskay was the first place where he set foot on Scottish soil and is where he started his campaign. The islands are also where he initially fled after the defeat at Culloden.

Culloden Battlefield - At Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, uncover what happened on that fateful day in April 1746. Immerse yourself in the battle experience and examine archaeological evidence from the site.

Culloden House - Stay in the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie assumed his battlefield headquarters. Rich in history, the beautiful Culloden House is now a luxurious country house hotel.