Bonnie Prince Charlie

Also known as 'the Young Pretender', Prince Charles Edward Stuart was the grandson of the deposed Catholic King James VII of Scotland and II of England. He and his followers believed the throne of Great Britain rightfully belonged to the House of Stuart, and led the campaign, known as the Jacobite Risings of 1745, to overthrow King George II.

Although the handsome prince and his troops experienced some successes in battle against the Hanoverian forces, Charles was eventually halted at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 by the Duke of Cumberland and the Red Coats; the bloody clash was to be the last major battle ever fought on British soil. The tale of the Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape is now legendary and has inspired both song and story.

Find out more about the life and times of this Jacobite hero

4. GLENFINNAN MONUMENT

See the Glenfinnan Monument, dramatically set at the head of Loch Shiel in the west Highlands. In the visitor centre, discover the story of the '45, Risings and tour the structure itself. Glenfinnan is the place where Charles rallied the clans loyal to the Stuart cause and started the final Risings.

5. WEST HIGHLAND MUSEUM

At the West Highland Museum in Fort William, you can see the Bonnie Prince's death mask, sword, and some of his clothing, including his fine silk waistcoat, as well as other Jacobite artefacts.

6. MUSEUM OF ISLAND LIFE

On the Isle of Skye, just behind the Museum of Island Life, lies a memorial to Flora MacDonald, the Jacobite sympathiser who helped Charles escape Scotland following the defeat at Culloden by disguising him as a maid and smuggling him by boat.

7. PERTH MUSEUM

Following a multi-million transformation of the former City Hall, Perth Museum will open its doors to the public on Easter weekend 2024. In addition to becoming the new home of the legendary Stone of Destiny, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sword and a rare Jacobite wine glass will also both go on public display for the very first time. It's the first time the sword has returned to Scotland since it was forged in Perth in 1739.

Find out more about Glenfinnan Monument 

Find out more about West Highland Museum

Find out more about the Museum of Island Life

Find out more about Perth Museum