Alan Breck's Volunteer Regiment can be seen several times during the year, producing stunning visuals of 18th century Scotland, and often replicating many scenes from the novels. Talk to them in camp, and learn exactly what is was like to be a Jacobite in those times of turmoil and civil war.
Discover Edinburgh City Guard
Edinburgh City Guard , the Redcoats of Alan Breck's Regiment, can also be seen during the year, alongside the Jacobites, giving excellent and authentic re-enactments of 18th century Scotland, and often replicating many scenes from the novels. Talk to them in camp, and learn exactly what is was like to be a Redcoat in those times of turmoil and civil war.
18th Century Life And Weapons
In the novels many scenes are set in the tales of everyday life. The first image shows a pot of simmering broth. Often mentioned, and a staple of the Jacobites diet, easy to make and would consist of anything edible they could find. There is a Bannock Recipe at the back of all novels. Pipes and tobacco could often be found in a man's knapsack, or a soldier's pack. A pack of cards, maybe a Long Laurence too. A dice game to lose your wages by. Nine Men's Morris, a favourite of Alex's! Notice the Blue Bonnet and the White Cockade. Worn proudly by the Jacobites.
Brown Bess Muskets could be found on both sides, especially after the Battle Of Prestonpans (Check out the museum. Well worth a visit!) French Muskets, slightly smaller in length and shot size, were usually carried by Jacobites, but definitely not by all . Broadswords or similar were carried by both sides. Dirks and small knives too. Targes were the shield of the Jacobite, they could stop many a blade, and even a musket ball! Pistols varied greatly, depending on the wealth of the person carrying it, or the wealth of the person it was looted from. Some were family heirlooms. Scroll to the second image and you'll spot Rob Roy MacGregor's (supposed) targe and sword. He's not featured in this series, although will do in the prequels. Where they hang on the wall, 'The Drovers Inn' is well worth a trip. The very last part of this collage shows a fèileadh-mòr (big kilt) and a fèileadh-beag (small kilt). Both were worn, along with breeches. There was no uniformity of dress in the Jacobite ranks, or uniformity in the colours of the Tartan. That came later, much later!
Events To See Living History
Visit the links to find out more and immerse yourself in 18th century Scotland. The Jacobites and the Redcoats, and a Civil War that changed Scotland forever, and more!
