Combining the footsteps of a colourful and controversial historic figure, Bonnie Prince Charlie, with the scenic splendour of Scotland is a fantastic way to re-live the story of ‘The Young Pretender’.
This specially arranged tour will describe – with great, fascinating detail – a remarkable period in our history which still captures the imagination today.
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Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument, Glenfinnan
Indeed, the story of ‘The Young Chevalier’ now has global appeal sparked by the TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s internationally acclaimed Outlander novels.
We take a look at a new 2017 holiday with a difference.
Edinburgh
We begin at Linlithgow Palace, the Stuart retreat which Charles visited during his march south. Visiting the city centre allows time to visit the National Museum of Scotland.
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Linlithgow Palace
Of particular interest will be artefacts from the Jacobite era, including glassware, jewellery, costumes, paintings and documents.
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Edinburgh Castle
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, once the symbolic residence of the Stuart Prince, and Edinburgh Castle, which proved impregnable to the Jacobite sieges of 1715 and 1745.
Stirling
The defences of Stirling Castle were strengthened after a French fleet, carrying James Francis Edward Stuart (The Old Pretender) tried to land in the Firth of Forth in 1708.
We also visit Doune Castle, which was occupied by Government troops during the 1689 and 1715 Risings but was taken by the Jacobites in 1745. Government prisoners were held here after the Battle of Falkirk in January 1746.
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Doune Castle
Alloa Tower – Scotland’s largest and oldest keep – housed several Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI.
Perthshire
En route to Inverness from Stirling, we call in at the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, which tells the dramatic story of the battle of 1689, when the tranquillity of this beautiful gorge was shattered by the first shots fired for the Jacobite cause.
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Killiecrankie Gorge
One Government soldier escaped by making a spectacular jump across the River Garry at a spot known today as ‘Soldier’s Leap’.
Inverness
From here we explore the impressive Redcoat garrison of Fort George, the iconic Scottish tower house of Brodie Castle and, of course, the Culloden Battlefield – scene of the defeat which essentially ended the Jacobite cause – with its new multi-award-winning visitor centre.
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Culloden Battlefield
We spend some time at the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, on the shores of Loch Ness.
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Urquhart Castle
We continue down the Great Glen passing through Fort Augustus and Fort William before travelling on to the NTS Visitor Centre at Glencoe, home of one of the most tragic events in Scottish history.
It is here where Thirty-eight people from the MacDonald clan which had supported the 1689 Rising were killed by Government troops.
The Holiday
In the Footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie is available as a coach tour from Aberdeen departing on 26 May 2017.