In the footsteps of Jacobites Private tour from Inverness

Culloden Battlefield

The windswept moorland of Culloden could on first glance look like any Scottish hillside. However it soon becomes clear that this is a pivotal place the Jacobite story and the final battle to be fought on British soil.

We first pay a visit to the low-lying visitors centre that tells the story of the build up to The Battle of Culloden that took place at this location on the 16th of April 1746. The visitor experience is excellent and once we have learnt about the context and seen the treasure trove of artefacts on display your guide will take you onto the battle site.

It’s an evocative place which gives a true appreciation of the landscape and conditions that the Jacobites faced that day. The cairn that marks the location stands in the middle of the battlefield, surrounded by the mass graves of the fallen, marked with basic tombstones. You’ll also visit the Leanach Cottage, a small croft building that doubled as a field hospital nearby.

Fort George

After the Battle of Culloden there was a significant strengthening of the military in Scotland. One of four new barracks (and the largest) was built a short drive from Culloden at Fort George. Strategically located jutting into the waters of the Moray Firth, Fort George was built on a monumental scale, making use of modern defence standards, with heavy guns covering every angle.

Today it is a fascinating living museum. Stepping inside the ramparts is like stepping back in history almost 300 years. You’ll visit the Grand Magazine, Barracks, Highlanders’ Museum and the Chapel.

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor castle is a fantastic visit and insight into the life of highland aristocracy of the region. Explore 15th-century Cawdor Castle, a great example of the changes culture, society and architecture over the course of time. In the 18th century the Thanes of Cawdor chose to follow Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. After the Jacobite Rising of 1745 ended in defeat at Culloden, the family thought it prudent to excite to Wales and live on their lavish Welsh estates. And that proved to be prudent for the family as many Jacobites and Jacobite sympathisers faced arrest and deportation but it also meant that Cawdor was spared Victorian modification and thus remains a fascinating combination of an authentic medieval castle and a comfortable Jacobean house.

Cawdor is still used as a family home and its lavish interiors showcase a fascinating collection of heirlooms, portraits and memorabilia.

Urquhart Castle

Though it was originally one of the largest castles in Scotland, only parts of Urquhart Castle are still standing. Built around the middle of the 13th century, there may have been an earlier large fort on the site. During the 1688 Glorious revolution the Grants opposed the rebellious Jacobites but after their defeat the castle was occupied by government forces. When they left in 1692 Urquhart was blown up to prevent Jacobite occupation. We explore Urquhart Castle and take in the stunning views across Loch Ness.

Optional: Take a 30 minute boat trip from the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle and learn the legend of the loch from the water. Perhaps even catch a glimpse of Nessie!

Wardlaw Mausoleum

Wardlaw Mausoleum became the subject of intense media speculation when experts attempted to solve the mystery of infamous Jacobite Simon Fraser, who was the 11th Lord Lovat, known locally as ‘The Old Fox’. His story brought historians to this sleepy burial site in the small village of Kirkhill near Inverness.

Lovat did nothing to hide his Jacobean allegiance and as a result was executed for treason at The Tower of London in 1747. It was claimed that he was buried at the Tower of London, but that men from clan Fraser returned his headless remains to Scotland where he was buried in the family mausoleum. Learn the full story and twist in the plot when we visit.

Abertaff House

At the end of the day we pay a quick visit to Abertaff House in central Inverness. This stop is a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ location hidden down a small street in the town. It’s Inverness’ oldest building and was purchased by The Old Fox’s son Colonel Archibald Fraser in the early 1800s. In 1815 the property went to his grandson Archibald Thomas Frederick Fraser and was sold to the Commercial Bank (which became the Royal Bank of Scotland) in the mid-1800s.