It has been cloudy and raining for a week. Today was forecasted to be a nice day. So, I rented a car. I wanted to drive to Glenfinnan and Glenn Coe. My real purpose for visiting Glenfinnan will be disclosed in the next post. First, the history of the area…
In 1745, Charles Edward Stuart returned from France. where he was planning an invasion of Britain and restoring the Stuart Monarchy.
He landed on the Isle of Erisky and rowed a small boat to the Scottish mainland near Glenfinnan.
When he thought he had raised a suitable army, he raised his royal standard and claimed the British Throne. This was the beginning of the Jacobite rising.
Eight months later, the rising was over after a great loss at the Battle of Culloden.
Charles Edward Stuart, also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” fled back to this location while trying to evade government troops. Loyal supporters provided refuge until a French Frigate arrived to take him back to France.
He died two years later; never returning to Scottish soil.
In 1814 this monument was erected at the site where “Bonnie Prince Charlie” departed Scotland. The monument was dedicated to the highlanders that fought in the Jacobite Army.
Glenfinnan Monument with loch Sheil in the background