Why the Battle of Culloden probably wasn't what you think

[@scotlandunplugged]

Correction - the Act of Proscription didn’t ban the playing of pipes but rather the bearing of arms and the wearing of highland dress in certain counties (including a long list of tartan garments). While the teaching of Gaelic wasn’t specifically mentioned, the act required all teachers in private schools to be registered and to swear an oath to the king and forbade parents from sending their children to any unregistered schools.

[@hirundine44]

Nice videos... I am all agog! Bagpipes They are actually warpipes. Pipes like Northumbrian pipes, were the social type.

[@nialllee2695]

Wrong pipes were regarded as a instrument of War

[@finndebrodelegh218]

My Dad took me as a teenager. I’m English, and I knew nothing about it, but I can tell you beyond a shadow of doubt the place has spiritual presence, and on a cloudy autumn afternoon, for no reason I knew, the hairs on the back of the neck all stood to attention, and the presence was palpable!

[@maxwellfan55]

Please explain what you mean by "spiritual". Thanks.

[@janice506]

Am guessing your presence angered all those dead Scotsmen

[@Carsonktm420]

Placebo… the real battle site is a couple of miles away 😂. Not much was found there, but a field near by it’s a different story.

[@Smith-hl6ms]

Typical english butcherery by english but the english where slaughtered in 1314 by celtics clans under Robert de Bruce

[@monicab204]

Very well done! 👏❤️ Thank you. Culloden is definitely a place for quiet respect, reflection, and honor for the many that lost their lives there.🕊🕯

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you!

[@sargonixofur1234]

‘Bonnie’ Prince Charlie was a disaster for Highlanders who fled back to France without a care for the utter ruin of his loyal supporters. Never understand why he remains so revered. Murray was a good commander, let down by Charlie’s poor staff and decision making.

[@seanmcilvenie9097]

Typical French. Always see their backs as they run away. Cowards.

[@alancumming6407]

Tom Weir did a great two part documentary on BPC. Well worth a watch.

[@kathleenmuller306]

Much like our Civil War battle fields, these fields hold more then the bones of the men that fought, they hold the aspirations of men who believed in their cause for the love of country. They usually are disquieting and eerie places,interesting but sobering! Wonderful Robert! K.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you!

[@dianaash8077]

@kathleenmuller306 what a beautiful way of describing the feelings one gets when walking a battlefield. ❤

[@HaveMonkeyWillDance]

It was an uprising, not a civil war.

[@stufonaut]

@@HaveMonkeyWillDance It was both. The Jacobite Uprising of '45 (the last one of several before it) pitted Scot against Scot and Clan against Clan.

[@tristandavies9597]

Most people who ended up here was forced their either by impressment, or the brutal clan system or human serfdom and rent, and they died horrible, paintful, pointless deaths over a squabble between two ruling houses.

[@whiskeycook3323]

When I visited culloden several years ago, I felt the same solemness as when I visited Pearl Harbor. Being there is so moving and sad, you can feel the sorrow and pain in both places.

[@shirleylaboy603]

You have a knack for bringing Scottish history to life, Robert. Thank you so much for sharing it. 🙂❤️

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thanks Shirley! 🙂

[@stonemarten1400]

Yeah, it’s nice to have a bit of humour thrown in there too.

[@michaelmulholland9072]

Mei4j3i45u5

[@ruadhagainagaidheal9398]

Growing up in Inverness, I often cycled to Culloden field as a boy. I found an eerie peace there among my fallen forebears.

[@patriciahansen6032]

I was fortunate to visit Culloden a few years ago. There was definitely something evocative about the place, and maybe that was partly because it was raining that day, but I was glad to be able to visit there. Thank you for this detailed history. There's so much we can learn from the past, if we choose to.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Very true. Amazing place 🙂

[@bbarnes5739]

Visited in the summer and the young man who took us on the tour really did bring the battle to life.a real must for any history nerd like my self. Thanks for the post and keep up the good work Barney from Accrington

[@captainskippy6622]

Top notch video and narration. My wife and I were there in October 2023. Such a solemn place. I had been able to trace back to my 5th great grandfather, a member of the Grant Clan. According to British records he was a Jacobite and captured at or after Culloden, imprisoned, and several years later banished to the Colonies in America. I had tears in my eyes as we walked that sacred ground as I do now.

[@marcuswall3857]

This is about much more than the battle itself. That isn't a criticism, on the contrary, it is an excellent account of what led up to such a tragic conclusion. As somebody who flatters himself in thinking he knows more than a little about this, I was really impressed with this. Thank you.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thanks Marcus!

[@kathleendolan2062]

You make the complicated and convoluted history much easier to understand. Keep up your videos. I find them educational, interesting and enjoyable. Thank you ❤️✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! That’s the aim (sometimes the hardest part is unraveling in my own head 🤣)

[@ramonadixon1291]

I'm a day late but at work and had a moment so I watched your video. It was sad yet beautiful at same time. I was in tears for both reasons. I appreciate all of the work and dedication that you have put into this. You're such an eloquent storyteller. Thank you!

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! 🙂

[@artawhirler]

I first heard of this battle as a teenager in the early 1970s, when I saw the brilliant documentary "Culloden" (1964). That movie is on KZbin for free, and anyone with the slightest interest should watch it!

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

It's an excellent documentary that shows the human cost in all its brutal reality and also reminds us that this was a civil war

[@deedorothypapineau6920]

Great coverage Robert. I grew up with all the romance and little real history thanks to my grandparents on both sides of my family.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you!

[@morgsjoboo2247]

Wish we had seen your video before we visited Culloden, you explain everything so well 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 We felt very moved when we visited Culloden last April and was so glad we went. Thank you for sharing Morgs Jo and Boo 🐕 ❤

[@alasdairbeaton2504]

A very well balanced video. However, the act of proscription never actually banned the pipes or even mentioned them by name. The Falkirk Tryst, the first formalised piping competition, was held just 35 years later in 1781. This built on the many regional competitions that were already happening

[@annamossity8879]

I’m seriously enjoying your videos. Much more than any other history lesson. I look forward to more, Thank you!

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you!

[@davidmccarter9479]

The visitor centre at Culloden is excellent. Well worth the trip.

[@martinshepherd626]

Good Video.....im Anglo Irish (irish mother) but my Great Great Grandparents on my fathers mothers side were Scots from Aberdeen/ or somewhere in the Aberdeen area. I do love Scottish history' though i would never claim to be Scots in any way shape or form. My visits to Scotland have always been fantastic......something magical about the place and in respect' just like when i go back to Ireland

[@GLK-London]

This is excellent and wonderfully presented, I first visited Culloden battlefield in the early 1970's and its good to see history is still being preserved. Thank you for this excellent video sir.

[@patriciamccormack7626Teashee]

Amazing info Robert 👍🏆 I'm so glad I wasn't about in those days 😮 lol about the shortbread ❤

[@scotlandunplugged]

Me too!

[@peterstubbs5934]

You didnt mention that the Scottish foray down to Derbyshire was only encountering TA equivalent opposition as the experienced British Army lads were away fighting abroad. When they got wind of expected stiffer opposition the closer they got to London, they decided to call it a day and went north.

[@marilynhalberg7915]

Dude, you are the coolest ever! How is it even possible that you don't have your own TV show?!

[@scotlandunplugged]

Haha. I’ll take that! 🙂 Thank you!

[@cjtramm8]

Went there and had goose bumps the whole time. Freaked me out. Just a feeling

[@toastedgiant5481]

Just stumbled across this video. Really know how to get a lot of information across in a digestible and engaging manner. Thanks algorithm- this definitely deserves more views!

[@nadinedeeren9861]

All the Stuarts were, unfortunately, losers. They mainly led to the deaths of thousands at the hands of each King and Queen. Denial was indeed a gem they clutched desperately to their breasts. Although many of us carry Scots genetics because Highland Clearances, I for one would rather my ancestors lived. As a veteran of the US Navy I do believe in honor. Honor was not served at Culloden or at Charlie's feet. Losing your cultural identity is a tragedy that can not be put into words. Thank you Bard for putting Culloden into words (I listened to you and didn't watch the video); you again painted a vivid picture.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! 🙂 Hope the sound wasn’t too awful 😅

[@haggielady]

​@@scotlandunpluggedThe sound was fine.

[@grahamtravers4522]

You are correct. One of the most disastrous families in British history, even before they got to England.

[@SvenTviking]

Charles II, Mary and Anne were all decent monarchs.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

​@SvenTviking the 4 james es that were about in the 15 century were they related to james 1 Charles 1 Charles 11 and james 11 in the 17 century james 1v died at flooden didn't he were the earlier james s stuarts

[@wendywhite4537]

I’ve never heard it with such detail. Thank you

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you!

[@luketours]

As a tour guide I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the build up, watched this twice now and has proved to be invaluable …thanks for taking the time to produce it 👍🏼

[@ElizaBeth-ng3pu]

Denial ran deep in that family… wonder what he thought about divine right when it was denied him so many times

[@johnp8131]

Went there whilst on detachment at RAF Kinloss back in the eighties. Visited on a damp April day back then, pretty eerie! Looks more interesting now as there's a visitor centre with a museum which wasn't there back then. The Cairns not far from there are worth seeing too.

[@stephenoran2019]

Exceptional! Very well-researched and presented! Keep up the great work!

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thanks Stephen!

[@richardmann145]

Worth mentioning that this was the last battle on mainland Britain for 275 years ( Give or take) & no one would of predicted that at the time because of what had gone before in our history . Great post

[@davidwallace4665]

No bro the Highland Clearing had yet to start and that was as a direct reaction to this Battle. English were brutal to my Country well the Highlands anyway. Poor Guys were better fighters just outnumbered with inferior Weapons and Women weren't spared

[@robertcottam8824]

⁠@@davidwallace4665 You are a Welsh person. As such, I’m not sure you have ‘a fig in the basket’. But you will find that the Highlands were cleared by Scots - highlanders at that - rather than the ‘Anglish’. Ill-informed silliness, such as yours, is simply that. Reading is a good thing. ‘The National Library of Wales’ in Aberystwyth is a ‘legal deposit’, meaning that you can access any book published in The British Isles since 1679, in any language of The British Isles, including your own. Dymuniadau gorau.

[@davidwallace4665]

@@robertcottam8824 I am Scottish and Scots always fought on both sides. The Highland Clearances was mostly English. TBH a don't even understand your comment!

[@davidwallace4665]

@@robertcottam8824 I don't need to go to Wales and read books, I can guarantee I know more History than you especially Military History going back nearly 3000 year's. Your just trying to be smart but you ain't. This Battle right here had Scots fighting with the Union. It's nothing knew, even Robert The Bruce continually changed sides until time was right. So you comment is stupid TBH 👍

[@kimfleury]

I'm told that one of my great-grandmothers was of Scottish descent, and that her mother or grandmother came to America in a maple syrup kettle. She was a little girl when they made the crossing, by ship of course, and she was so seasick the whole way that her mother was afraid she would die. The cure was fresh air, but being on deck made her more seasick, so they put her in the big cooking kettle on deck. I don't know if they made maple syrup in Scotland, but that's what they used the kettles for in America.

[@scotlandunplugged]

That’s interesting. I don’t know much about maple syrup, beyond how good it is in pancakes! 🙂 Having given myself motion sickness in a go kart the other day, I can sympathise 😂

[@markprior6009]

I have not doubt in my mind that it’s truly sad there Robert, I’ve never been to Culloden. I agree our awful history is a shameful part of our nation’s development. I have however been to Bergen Belsen concentration camp in Germany when I was a kid. I’m 50 now and can remember being there 37 years ago like it was yesterday. How disgusting human beings can be to one another! It’s interesting that the sites of these tragedies hold on to the evilness in the air!! In Belsen I remember not seeing or hearing any birds. Is it the same at Culloden? Great episode buddy, love your format 👍🏼

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! Must admit it struck me when I was editing the video that I’ve never been to a concentration camp. I can only imagine what that must be like. Culloden feels reflective but there’s a lot of life about it - and it’s easy on the eye. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

[@deedorothypapineau6920]

My father was one of the advanced scouts to Bergen Belsen. It was terrible. He always told me to never let anyone try to tell me it hadn’t happened. I’ve met proud Germans since then that were happy to be reunited when the Berlin Wall came down and couldn’t believe their people could have done such an atrocity. Never forget history.

[@XenaBe25]

@@deedorothypapineau6920 Ikr. The more I uncover of my own family history, the more I want to cry into my McDonald's cheeseburgersNot rlly joking, there... Historians prefaced my clan name with "Mad." And they were All we can really do is pledge to *be better.* And mean it.

[@XenaBe25]

@@deedorothypapineau6920 I really really want to visit Dunvegan Castle for their annual dinner, though. My contemporary extended family look pretty interesting 😊

[@mogznwaz]

I don’t understand why people get upset that people fought a lot back in history and weren’t always very nice to each other. The Scots attacked the English, the English attacked the Scots, the Vikings attacked everyone, the French and Spanish had a go too etc etc etc

[@steventhomas8964]

I can’t wait for more videos! I love learning about my heritage! You really have a nature story telling about you

[@fontybits]

I once gave a lift to a hitchhiker who was travelling from the Loch Lomond area up to Loch Awe in Argyllshire. During the journey, he detailed much of the research he had done regarding a MacDonald soldier who survived the battle, escaped, and ended up in New Zealand. He married a Maori chief's daughter. He was going to call his book, "The Miracle MacDonald." I've never seen it printed. 🤥

[@lindasworld5238]

Thank you for giving a thorough and clear account! Gives a bit of insight as to how my Grandmother's ancestors may have left Scotland for England and then for the U.S.. And here I am wanting to come to Scotland. Complicated business but you made it understandable.

[@matty74123]

My ancestors, surname Todd were highland police, changed sides at the last minute, abandoning the government, they came from Ayrshire, my grandfather ended up in Australia in 1923

[@scotlandunplugged]

I wonder how many people switched sides. Definitely worse places to wind up than Oz 🙂

[@doertemink9105]

Thank you so much! I learned about that in English history at University - but your explanation is much more enjoyable!!!

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you 🙂

[@Emma-Jayne]

Incredible scenery but such humbling history. It’s surprising that so much of it is researchable really when most historical events are written by the victors and usually only about their triumphs. I suppose with so much loss it would be difficult to keep everything hidden! Great video Robert, touching too. Sorry Ive not been on much or commented, lost my father in law suddenly, so we have all been in shock. So I really enjoyed this one. But if I am quiet it’s not down to content here, this is always spot on

[@scotlandunplugged]

Hi Emma, sorry to hear of your loss. Hope you’re doing ok. There seem to have been a lot of written records, and accounts from some of the main players, some of whom were in exile.

[@Emma-Jayne]

@@scotlandunplugged Thank you I appreciate that. Glad there was a lot of information on it, most especially because it was so brutal. Wish there was more on all history.

[@douglasspencer745]

You can feel the ghosts of those, that are buried there. It’s a most haunting place. I’ve been there twice, I’m English. the first time, with a friend, of mine who moved up from the Hendon area. We tried to run across the field. Seriously couldn’t go very far, at any speed.

[@haggielady]

You bring the past to life. That's a great gift you have. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! 🙂

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this, well done and love the Scots accent as a big part of this report. What sad days there were, and still are with these conflicts taking people's lives and often for so little gain. The bravery of these souls must never be forgotten!

[@richarddaugherty8583]

So tragic! It's a given that soldiers die in battles, but it's criminal for a commander to foolishly waste the lives of his men. I heard a story about President Bush (the senior) who after Desert Storm personally wrote letters to the family of every man killed. He reportedly said something to the effect that nothing brought home the ultimate responsibility to him like doing that. This from a man who was shot down over the Pacific in WWII.

[@scotlandunplugged]

It’s crazy to think they were so detached. Scotland History Tours did a video on just how close the commanders were at Culloden.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

@@scotlandunplugged Your KZbin presentations got me started on re-reading Jack Whyte's The Guardians of Scotland series again (probably for the 3rd or 4th time). I just finished The Forest Laird, and started Robert the Bruce yesterday. One of the things I really enjoy about Jack's writing is the philosophical bits in the story. I encountered them for the first time in The Camulod Chronicles series. They were unexpected, and for me, just golden. As a Scot and an historian he really seems to have done his research and brings the history of Scotland to life. I'd love an opinion from another Scot. Diana Gabaldon, in her Outlander series, really did a good job on history in general, and specifically Scottish history. Fun fact: she was a professor at Arizona State University, and wrote the first book, Outlander, "just for practice, to learn how" to write a novel. Home run, first time out! The rest is history. I've yet to watch the series, but I think it's cool that the cast have read all the books and are trying to stay true to them.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

At that time "pretender" meant "claimant" and had no pejurative suggestion.

[@suellenspencer-eb2nv]

Thank you for this tragic history story. Such sadness. You tell it well.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! 🙂

[@ingridfong-daley5899]

I wasn't raised with a strong sense of either general or personal history, but my ex's family were Scottish, so we'd visit them every year and they would tell me all the history and take me to every Historic/Trust location included in their memberships, plus anything interesting on the road along the way (like standing stones, distilleries, etc). I cried at Culloden--not knowing yet that genetically i did have an attachment to the larger culture there; but it was such a 'still' place--people were respectful and treated it with reverence, which really makes the emotional impact easier to experience. I'm always impressed by how well the Scottish know their own history, how proud they are of their cultural identity, and how entertainingly and thoroughly they can pass that information along to the rest of us. :)

[@timothybrady2749]

A really excellent presentation. Both extremely informative with clear explanation of the people and motives involved on all sides. The battlefield explanations were well done. I learned a lot of history through your presentation!👍

[@DigginWithDash]

Really enjoyed this video, a balanced and unbiased reflection on the battle. like most things in life many people take a small part and make it something it wasn't whereas you haven't, now subscribed

[@elsieelm2763]

I shall listen to this again. Thank you for telling this history so well.

[@m.s.5779]

I had the honor of staying in the Culloden House (The Bonnie Prince had stayed there a few nights prior to the battle), and being invited to dine with the Circle of Gentlemen; the last passionate Jacobites left in Scotland. I learned a ton, to include the genocide of the Scottish Clans. I spent the day with the procession to the memorial. While I have opinions about the tactics and impatience of The Bonnie Prince, I hold respect for those who lost their lives in service to Scotland, both at the battle, and the thousands that were mercilessly killed in order to subdue a culture and way of life. Culloden Mor is indeed a sad place filled with ghosts, and Skylarks that sing the song and tell the tell from above the battlefield as if timeless mystical Bards from another world.

[@herstoryswitness]

Thank you for the details I never heard before. I have been to Culloden and it's eerie. There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness. As for the Bonnie Prince, I hope my mother's Alexander relatives are related to Flora and I admire that the young pretender wanted Scotland to be Scotland and not part of the British empire, even if it was said that he had a hard time understanding the Scots language. Please keep the education coming along with the beautiful scenes in your videos!

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Very interesting. Im from near Derby, and often pass the furthest southern point the Jacobites got at Swarkstone bridge. It always makes me think about what might have happened had things gone differently when i pass there. Ghosts of the past, I guess.

[@brianives838]

pleased you showed who really did the land clearances. It's about time the current Clan Leaders apologised for Profit over People!!

[@billballbuster7186]

Very good presentation of a battle that changed history, after Culloden the clans lost their power and many a Scotsman joined the British army a tradition that lasts today.

[@macdodd]

My first trip to Cullodin was back in the '70s & I've visited several times since but I'm not a fan of the current setup. I've spoken with Tony Pollard about it & also read his book. Where there is a lot more known about it now from the archaeological side there is a lot still to find I have no doubt. Thanks for the wee vid I did enjoy it.

[@junesmith852]

So sad but I find this period of Scottish history fascinating..Great video Mr Parker 💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thank you! 🙂

[@Bertie22222]

Throughout history, millions of men have died following one man’s thirst for riches and power. Charlie was one of those lusting for the crown.

[@Prfdt3]

I would think he felt it was his duty to take the crown.

[@Bertie22222]

@@Prfdt3 What's your point?

[@lucario2188]

Corrections/Notes 8:40 and 9:08 Those paintings aren't of Charles, but instead of his brother. The first painting was done when his brother was in France preparing to lead a French army of 8,000 to 9,000 soldiers in support of Charles. The enterprise was cancelled when news of Culloden reached France. The Clans and his Jacobite Supporters knew that the Stuarts wanted to reclaim the Crowns of the 3 Kingdoms Charles never hided his intention to do that. Another reason the Clans supported him was his willignes to end the act of union which he did in a declaration made on octuber in Edinbourgh. He abolished this when he entered Edingbourgh trough a declaration/edict. Another reason the Clans though they were going to get French support is because France had actually send 2000 soldiers from the Scottish and Irish regiments of the French Army to Scotland and altough they were attacked by the navy around 700 to 900 were able to reach the Jacobite Army. 9:08 The divide of going to England or not was more of a strategic divide some Clan Chiefs tought that it was better move to stay in Scotland secure their positions and fight in Scotland. While Charles tought that is what better to strike while the Iron was still hot. And not the council didn't went out of the window it operated, it was in a council reunion that they voted to retreat from England. 9:34 His supporters didn't started to lose faith until after they started retreating. It was the Clan Chiefs who when not seeing support voted in a council reunion to retreated back to Scotland to avoid being pined in hostil territory. While Charles in the same council reunion argued to keep advancing.

[@DJ-tt7tq]

Drove up there many years ago. It's very quiet, very eerie.

[@Oldhammer57]

Very informative. The only English Jacobite regiment raised was the Manchester regiment. They suffered terribly when the regiment surrendered at Carlisle castle.

[@kayhansen1674]

I knew it was bad, but never knew it was that bad.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Neither did I until I started reading 🙂

[@citizencairn5230]

Really good, accessible, eloquent and unbiased - exactly what most other accounts out there AREN'T. I agree you can really feel 'something' upon Culloden Muir - what a stupid place to choose to fight

[@robhudson3511]

The bonnie Prince wouldn't have wasted his piss on the people of Scotland. He merely saw them as a means to an end. He wanted to one day be king of England , and he sacrificed the Scots that followed him on the alter of that vain ambition. The Stuarts did no more for Scotland than the Tydors did for Wales.

[@janice506]

God dam dirty English

[@debbiegilmour6171]

The fact of the matter is he would have won it with a primarily Scottish army. There is little doubt that Scotland would have this achieved its independence as a result. To suggest otherwise is to give into frankly english obfuscation and double think.

[@johnbaird4912]

@@debbiegilmour6171 According to you he had a majority Scottish army and still lost

[@debbiegilmour6171]

@@johnbaird4912 I take it by "he" you mean BPC? He did have a majority Scots army and when you go by the fact that they won 2 out of 3 pitched battles and lost the third due to a badly aimed cannon shell on the part of the English artillery, then it actually looks very much like the English only won by sheer dumb luck.

[@johnbaird4912]

@@debbiegilmour6171 How was it badly aimed if it did what it was supposed to do ,this wasn’t even a battle as it lasted less than an hour .and it’s not just about the two previous battles that count but the end result .

[@jamesarmstrong5424]

I have always wondered if or how many of my ancestors took part in this struggle as most of the Armstrongs were either hanged or driven out by James VI/I! Nonetheless, I am drawn to the history and lore of Scotland and hope to someday visit and ultimately retire there.

[@scotlandunplugged]

The Armstrongs have a fascinating history - all that reiving 🙂

[@XenaBe25]

And yeah, my ancestors did some awful things. That probably has more than a little to do with why I felt compelled to breathe that awkward sigh of relief when I found out that they didn't die en masse for Prince Charlie. It's strange to feel these things for 300 and 400 and 1000 year old strangers, isn't it?😕

[@michellepeoplelikeyoumurde8373]

Armstrongs were outlaws and anglo saxons from England most of their leaders were executed and many more were sent to Ulster to subdue the irish

[@rialobran]

I don't have an ounce of Scottish blood (Cornish) but this war and especially this battle has always intrigued me. You've managed to produce probably the best, and most balanced, view of Culloden I've seen. Brilliantly edited and put together, as well as researched and presented. I didn't know about the despatching of the wounded, a war crime in any book. They did similar to Cornish POW's just 200 years before.

[@garybrindle6715]

A challenge to condense the huge amount of stories into a coherent presentation. Thanks, and I hope you inspire viewers to dig deeper and discover the treasure trove of writings around the Jacobite risings. Hope, betrayal, bravery and spies. No wonder the swirling savagery and poisoned politics of those times have begat a legacy of enduring tales oft retold.

[@clivedavies5618]

Excellent analysis Robert. The 1964 docudrama "Culloden" based on John Prebble's book is well woth watching and shows the tragedy of the Highlanders pressed into the fight against their will and poorly armed. Charles Stuart does not come out of it well.

[@mickeyh53]

You told a story Robert..that’s always going to capture people’s imagination..the tales of Bonny Prince Charlie are legendary worldwide..I recall as a wee lad watching the film of the same name starring David Niven..it’s more than likely the starting point of my curiosity towards Scotland..I must say your camera work & editing on this video was outstanding. ThankYou 🇦🇺

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thanks, Michael! I’d forgotten about David Niven as BPC. 🙂

[@blackbob3358]

Aye, there's a lot tripe told about this Italian shirtlifter.

[@victornewman9904]

Interesting how the clan families backed both sides, to ensure they always came out on top.

[@brianford8493]

Brilliant stuff ..I walked the field many times as a child and when you see it it's the worst place to engage possible.✌️

[@bethotoole6569]

WOO HOO!! Back to death and religion! But I guess that's a good part of history anywhere.. Thanks much,, I've learned more about history, a favorite subject, from you than from any class. Although I'm in the US,, history to us is about 100 yrs!! Can't wait to see what's next...

[@kimfleury]

I'm in Michigan. I live near the site of a French trading fort that only dates to around 1640. And the fort itself didn't last long.

[@bethotoole6569]

@@kimfleury There is history here,, but it’s not quite the same. I lived in Belgium for four years and traveled Europe. When you see a cathedral built in the 1500’s,, it’s different from the history here. I often joke that we don’t have any history here which is not true,, that being said it’s not the same as in Europe.

[@scotlandunplugged]

Haha. Always comes back to death and religion! 🙂

[@paulconnolly5320]

The War of Austrian Succession was really a war to stop French influence in Austria and Spain. The French wars in North America were an extension of this. French support for a Scottish rebellion was merely a distraction. They wanted England to be threatened from within. The Germans copied this plan in 1916.

[@WkdWnch007]

Wonderful lesson, beautifully told...thank you, Rob!!! ❤🐮❤🇺🇸❤🐮❤

[@alanmclean6690]

What an ansolute excellent presentation & content.

[@columbus7950]

Think it’s the first time I’ve seen Culloden with a blue sky above it.

[@Iris_Germany]

❤ thank you for telling us about this dark side of Culloden. 😢

[@scotlandunplugged]

Thanks for watching it! 🙂

[@ianbentley-dw1gp]

Excellent. really informative and enjoyable

[@TheOppl]

You do not get to mount repeated violent insurrections against the State in the 1700s without serious consequences. Unfortunately for those who followed (or, as was the case with the ordinary Highlander, was press-ganged) the doomed cause of the Stuarts, they discovered this first-hand. No State in the world would tolerate this repeated problem in their own country. There has never been a Jacobite rebellion since, and Britain was able to press ahead as one nation to forge an Empire for itself. Culloden is a sacred place for Scottish and wider British history. It is also a thoroughly badly misunderstood period of our history. The field itself suffers from numerous archaic memorial cairns (modern creations) which could do with some contextual signage beside them - especially the one about "Highlanders who fought for Scotland". This was a British Civil War that divided every kind of community imaginable down almost every cultural line.

[@Slydeil]

Very good and fair assessment of a complex piece of history. When all is said is done, this tragic waste of life was a result of the folly of Charles Edward Stuart and his ego obsessed with getting his hands on the British Crown. This misunderstanding of the background as an England v Scotland battle is unfortunate. The Clearances were led by the Clan Chiefs who became lairds, and again this has been lost over the years, and continues to create unnecessary division.

[@michaelduryea148]

Great video and wish I had found it earlier I first heard about Culloden in the 70’s as a young teenager when my father and I saw the 1964 Watkins film. That’s affected me ever since and very proud of my Scottish ancestry

[@michaelduryea148]

👍

[@rogersteppens8025]

There’s always a sadness with Scots and Irish history that lingers .Maybe because it feels quite recent. These days people around the world have much information and can retrace their ancestors. That is the part they want to retrace because everyone has a multitude of ancestors to choose from

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

What makes it worse was scottish lowlanders fought with the German king and did a lot off the slaughtering after the battle scotlands shame

[@debbiegilmour6171]

​@@DavidBroadley-tw7ksMost of the slaughter in the wake of the battle was carried out by the English cavalry. But there is a point here that really, the Hanovarian cause was never popular enough in Scotland that it could, by itself, ever counter the levels of support naturally enjoyed by the Jacobites.

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

Lowland Scots and ulster troops helped in the killings off the highlanders

[@debbiegilmour6171]

@@DavidBroadley-tw7ks Whilst it is true that the treacherous Scots that fought for the Hanoverians were brutal in their oppressions, it should also be remembered that they were only capable of rallying very limited numbers of troops compared to what the Jacobites had been able to muster, precisely because the Hanoverian cause (and the union) was not altogether that popular in Scotland.

[@chendaforest]

Nice outline of a battle which is often wrongly protrayed as England vs Scotland.

[@MalcolmBarron]

My family were fishermen living in nearby Nairn at the time of the Culloden battle. I don't know what side they were on, if any. However, everyone seems to have survived the event.

[@johnkidd797]

I grew up beside the battlefield and lived around it for 50 years before moving ten miles away. An old friend of my father gave me a coin called a turner that had been struck with Charles the second on it and that shouldn't have ever been the case. The museum couldn't explain it.

[@Annie6460]

One day Robert, one day I will be able to fulfil my dream. Thank you.❤️🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LeePenn2492]

Very interesting and informative.. Great show.. Went to visit culloden and Inverness whe. I was based up there. Great place ..

[@cliffordroberts5783]

I visited Culloden in 2018. I had the feeling that it was something that happened in the recent past. Not something that happened more than 200 years ago.

[@scotlandunplugged]

It was busy during the day but altogether more real when everyone left. Quite something.

[@cliffordroberts5783]

I really enjoy your videos about Scotland. I enjoy your passion for your country, your explanation of history brings everything to life. I have been to Scotland many times. I went to Glasgow in 2018 specifically to see the art school, unfortunately it had burnt down before I got there.

[@janedaniels7645]

I visited Culloden about 50 years ago and remember it being far more desolate .No flags back then to show the front lines and far fewer bushes - it surprised me because it was such a massive open area. I remember it had a certain quality about it - knowing that so many men had died and still lay there. Have you visited Glen Coe? I clearly remember a sense of doom there. You could feel it all around you.

[@alastair9894]

Thank goodness I saw the battlefield before all the modernisation. Far more haunting.

[@RaymondSwift-p8u]

Fantastic xpat from Arbroath live in New Zealand cheers mate love your work 😏👌

[@NAR-wv3sl]

Brilliant. Like the museum itself, informative and moving.

[@racheltaylor6578]

I tried running across that moor and found it very difficult so I’m sure it was the same for the highlanders.

[@RonBurgandy-o5z]

Went there when i was 10 years old..... i can still remember there was a quietness to it all

[@David-sk9vv]

Fantastic presentation.

[@adolfoestella4699]

Hey man nice video, did you by any chance as the man who was painting the house if there were any ghost sightings near the battlefield? thanks

[@PeterPsn-z9o]

I am proud to have walked that battlefield wearing a " Edward the first on tour" tee shirt .

[@richardstoker4963]

And Durham County Council built a road on top of Nevilles Cross battle field 1346 . When they've turned this Battle Field into a place that people can visit.

[@andypandy9013]

I was born and raised in Yorkshire. I feel British first and English second. At school we were taught that Culloden was a battle between the forces of the British Government and rebels who wanted to reinstate the Stuart line by force of arms that had to be opposed and, if necessary, destroyed. For this reason I could never understand why, in later years, so many Scots said to me that it was "The English bloodily subduing the brave Scots". It wasn't! It was a lawful Government Army, made up of troops from all parts of the British Isles INCLUDING SCOTS along with some foreign mercenaries, fighting an insurrection by an unofficial Militia made up mainly of Highland Scots but also some others. Keep in mind that in 1746 Scotland had been part of the United Kingdom for 39 years, since the two Acts of Union had been passed in 1707. The retribution that followed though was shocking and probably helped spread the myth of an all Scots Army being cruelly defeated by an "English" Army. Thank you for putting the record straight on this. 👍 🙂

[@Alan-gh8X]

You are a disgrace, ask any Scottish person if they are British first and Scottish second, I never class myself as British always English no matter what part of the world I was in, even my passport states English on the inside.

[@ab4113]

And i may add, Stuarts were not fighting for Scotland only themselves, most of Scotland, were lowlanders and had no love of the Stuarts

[@johnscarr70]

Not unlike the Wars of the Roses. To this day people believe it was a struggle between Yorkshire and Lancashire. It was good to have this video introduced by telling us how complicated history is. Never a truer word spoken.

[@debbiegilmour6171]

​@@ab4113They were definitely fighting for Scotland; that's how they got the support they did in Scotland and why their army was a Scottish army. There would have been no way for BPC to deny Scotland its independence simply by the fact that his forces were Scottish and in the event of his victory, the english forces would have been destroyed so he obviously couldn't have used them.