Battle of Killiecrankie 27 July 1689
"The enemy lay in heaps almost in the order they were posted: but so disfigured with wounds, and so hashed and mangled, that even the victors could not look upon the amazing proofs of their own agility and strength without surprise and horror" Balhadie.
On 21 August 1689, a Scottish Highland Jacobite Army led by a Scottish Lowland General met a primarily Lowland Government Army led by a Highland Scottish General. In a matter of minutes, the result was decided. How could this be? How did an outnumbered, ill-disciplined host overwhelm a disciplined force twice their number, who were better armed, trained and disciplined. Killiecrankie is a story of warring royal dynasties, political conflict, religious persecution, individual ambition and tribal loyalty. Our Broadsword and Musket Battlefield tour aims to bring this dramatic battle to life by touring today's battlefield and sharing with you our insights in the opposing forces, their commanders, the soldiers, their weapons and tactics and the individual stories of combatants. what happened, why did it happen and could the outcome have been different?
Date: 21 August 1689
Location: Braes of Killiecrankie, Perthshire, Scotland
British Government forces
Commander: Major General MacKayStrength: 3,500
Jacobite forces
Commander: Viscount Dundee, nick names Bonnie Dundee or Bloody Clavers, dependant on individual perspective!.Strength: 2,200
The Killiecrankie Battlefield tour with Broadsword and Musket:
We begin your tour with a scene-setter that puts the battle into historical context and introduces the commanders and their respective strategies and tactical plans. This will either take place at your hotel or at a local coffee shop dependant on your circumstances.
Then we head for the battlefield. Our tour is based on five view points. Movement between view points is by vehicle and on foot. Walking distances are short and we will follow well-defined paths and tracks. Throughout the tour, there will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs, ask questions, discuss your ideas and enjoy the vivid and beautiful Perthshire countryside.
Viewpoints:
View Point 1. Jacobite intentions and plans and initial movements.
View Point 2. The Government Army intentions and plans and initial movements.
View Point 3. The Highland Charge. Shattering Jacobite attack on the Government Battle Line.
View Point 4. General MacKay's attempts to rally his forces and the death of Viscount Dundee - "Bonnie Dundee".
View Point 5. A bloody aftermath. For the Jacobites what did victory mean? For the Scottish Government Army, what did defeat mean? What followed?