Culloden
September 8, 2001
The whole clan toured the Culloden Moor battlefield with Ian as our guide. With all the clan standing (in the rain) Ian slowly circled the Memorial Cairn piping a beautiful lament for the 1200 Highlanders who fell during the battle of 16 April 1746, When Prince Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and his army were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and his army. Also lamented was the loss of identity (destruction of the clan system, banning the tartan dress, banning the bagpipes as an instrument of war) and the change of lifestyle that lead to the Highland clearances.
The evening concluded in a happier mood when Ian piped the Clan into dinner at the hotel. Ian and Catherine truly made our day unforgettable and our visit to Culloden especially meaningful.
