The Battle of Killiecrankie: Jacobites Rise Again

In this episode of The Story of Scotland, Lucas and Luna explore the dramatic Battle of Killiecrankie, fought on July 27, 1689, in the steep Pass of Killiecrankie. This was the opening clash of the first Jacobite rising, where John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee—known as 'Bonnie Dundee'—led Highland clans against government forces commanded by General Hugh Mackay. Lucas explains the political background: the deposition of James VII & II in the Glorious Revolution and the Scottish Convention's offer of the throne to William and Mary. He details the battle itself—the terrifying Highland charge that overwhelmed Mackay's inexperienced troops, but at a heavy cost: Claverhouse was killed by a stray bullet. Without his leadership, the Jacobite advance stalled, leading to defeat at Dunkeld. The conversation covers the strategic importance of the pass, the use of firelocks, and the legacy of 'Bonnie Dundee' in song and memory. Luna asks about the Pass of Killiecrankie as a tourist site today and the controversial reputation of Claverhouse, known for persecuting Covenanters. Together, they untangle the mix of legend and history that surrounds this turning point in Scotland's struggle for identity. #BattleOfKilliecrankie #Jacobites #BonnieDundee #JohnGrahamOfClaverhouse #GloriousRevolution #HighlandCharge #ViscountDundee #ScottishHistory #HughMackay #BattleOfDunkeld #PassOfKilliecrankie #WilliamAndMary #JamesVII #Cameronians #Covenanters #1689 #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo