The Jacobite Rebellions in Scotland
Jacobite Rebellions: Scotland’s Fight For Freedom
The Jacobite Rebellions were a series of uprisings, wars, and plots between 1689 and 1746, driven by the desire to restore the House of Stuart to the thrones of Scotland, England, and Ireland. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) deposed and replaced by William of Orange, the Stuart loyalists—known as Jacobites—repeatedly attempted to reclaim the throne.
Their cause was deeply rooted in dynastic loyalty, religious divisions, and political struggle, particularly between the Protestant ruling elite and the largely Catholic supporters of James and his descendants.
These rebellions were not isolated to Scotland but had strong international backing, particularly from France and Spain, who saw the Jacobite cause as a way to weaken Britain. However, the movement found its greatest support in the Scottish Highlands, where clan society remained loyal to the Stuarts, and in parts of Ireland.
Despite its failure, the Jacobite movement left a lasting imprint on Scottish history, shaping cultural identity, folklore, and literature. Today, the story of the Jacobite Rebellions continues to captivate people around the world, whether through historical study, visits to sites like Culloden Battlefield and Glenfinnan, or through popular culture, where the legend of the Jacobites lives on.
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The Major Jacobite Rebellions
- The First Jacobite Rising (1689–1692)
- The 1708 Invasion Attempt
- The 1715 Jacobite Rising ("The Fifteen")
- The 1719 Jacobite Rising
- The 1745 Jacobite Rising ("The Forty-Five")
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Origins of the Jacobite Movement
The Jacobite movement began as a direct response to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw King James VII of Scotland (James II of England and Ireland) overthrown. James was a Catholic monarch in a predominantly Protestant country, and his attempts to promote religious tolerance and Catholic influence alarmed the Protestant political elite.
When his wife, Mary of Modena, gave birth to a son in 1688—ensuring a Catholic line of succession—Protestant nobles invited William of Orange (pictured), James’s Protestant son-in-law, to take the throne. James was forced to flee to France, where he was given refuge by King Louis XIV, marking the beginning of the Jacobite cause.
The term “Jacobite” comes from the Latin for James—"Jacobus"—and referred to those who remained loyal to the exiled Stuart king and his descendants.
The movement was strongest in Catholic and Episcopalian Scotland, Ireland, and northern England, where many saw James as the rightful monarch. The Jacobites also gained international support, particularly from France and Spain, who saw the cause as an opportunity to weaken Britain.
In Scotland, the movement had a particularly deep impact. The Scottish Highlands became a stronghold for the Jacobites, where clan loyalty, opposition to centralised government, and a deep-rooted connection to the Stuarts kept support alive. Many Highlanders saw James and his heirs as defenders of their traditional way of life, in contrast to the growing influence of the Lowland-based, Protestant British government. Meanwhile, in the Lowlands, Jacobitism found backing among Episcopalians, who opposed the Presbyterian-led Kirk established after the revolution.
The Act of Union in 1707, which formally united Scotland and England into the Kingdom of Great Britain, further fuelled Jacobite sentiment. Many Scots resented the loss of independence and saw the exiled Stuarts as the rightful rulers of a free Scotland. This led to repeated uprisings and rebellions throughout the late 17th and early 18th centuries, as Jacobites fought to restore the Stuarts to the throne.
What began as a political and religious dispute soon became a romanticised struggle, with Jacobites portrayed as valiant warriors fighting against foreign rule. While their attempts to restore the Stuart monarchy ultimately failed, the Jacobite movement shaped Scotland’s history, inspiring loyalty, rebellion, and legend for generations to come.
The Major Jacobite Rebellions
The Jacobite cause was not a single, continuous rebellion but rather a series of uprisings, invasions, and military campaigns between 1689 and 1746. Each attempted to restore the House of Stuart to the throne, with varying degrees of success. Below is a closer look at the key Jacobite rebellions that shaped Scotland’s history.
1. The First Jacobite Rising (1689–1692)
The First Jacobite Rising began in 1689, shortly after James VII of Scotland (James II of England and Ireland) was deposed in the Glorious Revolution. The new Protestant monarchs, William III and Mary II, faced immediate resistance in Scotland, where many remained loyal to James. The rebellion was led by John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, a devoted Jacobite and skilled military leader.
Dundee and his forces gathered support primarily from the Scottish Highlands, where many clans remained loyal to the Stuart king. On July 27, 1689, the Jacobites achieved a dramatic victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie, ambushing and overwhelming a government force led by General Hugh Mackay. However, the victory came at a great cost—Dundee was fatally wounded during the battle. Without his leadership, the rebellion began to falter.
Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Dunkeld (1689), where government forces held off an attack from the Highlanders, the rising effectively collapsed. Many clans submitted to the new government, and Jacobite resistance weakened. In an attempt to secure loyalty from the Highland clans, the government demanded an oath of allegiance to William and Mary by January 1, 1692.
One of the darkest episodes of this period followed—the Massacre of Glencoe (1692). The MacDonald clan of Glencoe, accused of delaying their oath of allegiance, was brutally attacked by government soldiers under Captain Robert Campbell. Dozens of men, women, and children were killed in the freezing winter conditions. The massacre became a lasting symbol of treachery and betrayal, fueling Jacobite resentment for years to come.
Though the First Jacobite Rising had failed, the movement remained alive. The Highland clans, embittered by government actions like the Massacre of Glencoe, would rise again in the coming decades, keeping the Jacobite dream alive.
2. The 1708 Invasion Attempt
Following the failed First Jacobite Rising, the exiled Stuart court remained determined to reclaim the throne. By 1708, the Jacobite cause was now led by James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the deposed James VII & II. Known as the Old Pretender, James had spent most of his life in France under the protection of King Louis XIV, who saw an opportunity to weaken Britain by restoring the Stuarts.
With strong French backing, a 5,000-strong army was assembled to launch an invasion of Scotland, where Jacobite support was still strong—especially among Highland clans and Episcopalians in the northeast. The plan was to land at the Firth of Forth, near Edinburgh (pictured), and rally Scottish forces to overthrow the government of Queen Anne. James himself was aboard the fleet, hoping to inspire a new rebellion.
However, the invasion never materialised. The Royal Navy, led by Admiral Sir George Byng, had already been alerted to the plot and moved to intercept the fleet. As the French ships neared Scotland, they were met by superior British naval forces, forcing them to turn back before James could even set foot on Scottish soil. Poor weather, miscommunication, and the presence of the British navy made a landing impossible.
The failed 1708 invasion was a significant blow to the Jacobite movement. It highlighted the logistical difficulties of mounting a successful rebellion without strong internal support and demonstrated Britain’s growing military strength. Though this attempt failed, the Stuart cause remained active, and just a few years later, the Jacobites would try again in 1715, this time with a full-scale uprising on Scottish soil.
3. The 1715 Jacobite Rising ("The Fifteen")
The 1715 Jacobite Rising, often referred to as "The Fifteen," was the most significant attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy since the First Jacobite Rising of 1689. Following the failed 1708 invasion, the Jacobite cause remained strong in Scotland, especially after the Act of Union (1707), which had united Scotland and England into Great Britain. Many Scots resented the Union, seeing it as a betrayal of Scotland’s sovereignty, and this fueled Jacobite support.
The rebellion was led by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, a Scottish nobleman who had initially supported the Hanoverian government but later switched allegiance to the Jacobites. In September 1715, Mar raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar (Braemar castle pictured), calling on Highland clans to join the fight for James Francis Edward Stuart (The Old Pretender). His forces grew rapidly, with thousands of Highlanders rallying to the cause.
The Jacobites had early successes, capturing key towns such as Inverness, Aberdeen, and Perth, effectively taking control of much of northern Scotland. However, despite their numerical advantage, the Jacobite leadership was disorganized and slow to act. Their best opportunity came at the Battle of Sheriffmuir on November 13, 1715, where Mar’s army faced the government forces led by John Campbell, Duke of Argyll. The battle was inconclusive—while the Jacobites had superior numbers, Mar failed to press his advantage, allowing government forces to regroup. This indecisiveness proved fatal for the rebellion.
Meanwhile, James Francis Edward Stuart had finally arrived in Scotland in December 1715, but it was too late. Morale among the Jacobites had already begun to fade, and government reinforcements were closing in. Lacking the charisma and leadership skills of his father, James failed to inspire his troops. By early 1716, with defeat looming, he fled back to France, marking the end of the uprising.
The failure of The Fifteen demonstrated the Jacobite movement’s lack of coordination and strategic planning. While it was a serious threat to the British government, the rebellion ultimately failed due to weak leadership and hesitation. However, it was not the last attempt—the Jacobites would rise again in 1719 and, more dramatically, in 1745 with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
4. The 1719 Jacobite Rising
The 1719 Jacobite Rising was a smaller-scale rebellion compared to previous uprisings, but it marked another attempt to restore the House of Stuart with the help of foreign allies. This time, the Jacobites received support from Spain, which sought to weaken Britain as part of a wider European power struggle. Spain, under King Philip V, saw the Jacobite cause as a useful tool to disrupt British influence, particularly after Britain had supported Austria against Spain in the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
The Spanish plan involved landing 300 Spanish troops in Scotland’s Highlands, where they would link up with Jacobite forces and spark a wider rebellion. Loch Alsh was chosen as the landing site, and the Spaniards quickly took control of Eilean Donan Castle, a key strategic stronghold. However, the plan began to fall apart almost immediately—bad weather prevented a larger Spanish fleet from arriving, leaving the Jacobites vastly underprepared.
Despite this setback, a small Jacobite force, led by William Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine, and General George Keith, gathered in the mountains to fight. On June 10, 1719, at the Battle of Glen Shiel, they faced a well-organised government army led by General Joseph Wightman. The battle ended in disaster for the Jacobites—after fierce fighting, government artillery and Highland loyalist troops overwhelmed the Jacobite-Spanish force. The Spanish soldiers surrendered, while the remaining Jacobites dispersed into the mountains.
The 1719 Rising was short-lived, poorly coordinated, and ultimately a failure. However, it reinforced a key lesson: without large-scale external support or strong leadership, the Jacobites had little chance of success. While Spain abandoned the Jacobite cause after this defeat, the dream of Stuart restoration did not die. Just over 25 years later, the Jacobites would launch their most famous and daring rebellion—the 1745 Rising, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie.
5. The 1745 Jacobite Rising ("The Forty-Five")
The 1745 Jacobite Rising, also known as “The Forty-Five,” was the most famous and ambitious of all the Jacobite rebellions. Led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), the grandson of James VII & II, this uprising was the last and most determined attempt to restore the House of Stuart to the throne of Britain. It was also the rebellion that would ultimately seal the fate of the Jacobite cause forever.
By 1745, the political landscape had changed. The Hanoverian monarchy, led by King George II, was firmly established, and previous Jacobite uprisings had ended in failure. However, Charles Edward Stuart remained convinced that he could reclaim the throne for his father, James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender). With limited French support, he sailed to Scotland, landing on the west coast at Eriskay in July 1745. Despite lacking an army, he managed to rally Highland clans to his cause, appealing to their loyalty to the Stuarts and resentment of British rule.
The Jacobites quickly gained momentum. They won a stunning first victory at the Battle of Prestonpans (September 1745), where their Highland charge routed government forces in a matter of minutes. Encouraged by this success, Charles boldly led his army south into England, advancing as far as Derby, just 125 miles from London. However, without the expected French reinforcements and failing to gain significant English support, the Jacobite leadership hesitated. Concerned about being cut off, they decided to retreat back to Scotland in December 1745.
Despite another victory at the Battle of Falkirk Muir (January 1746), the Jacobites were losing momentum. The British government responded with overwhelming force, sending the Duke of Cumberland north to crush the rebellion.
The final confrontation came at the Battle of Culloden (April 16, 1746), on a windswept moor near Inverness. The Jacobite army, exhausted and outnumbered, was brutally defeated in less than an hour. The government forces showed no mercy—wounded Jacobites were executed, prisoners were hunted down, and Charles fled for his life.
The aftermath of Culloden (gravestone there pictured) was devastating. The British government launched a harsh crackdown, banning Highland dress, bagpipes, and the Gaelic language, while dismantling the clan system that had supported the Jacobites for so long. Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to France, spending the rest of his life in exile, never returning to Scotland.
The 1745 Rising was the last Jacobite attempt to restore the Stuarts and marked the end of an era. Though it failed, it left a lasting cultural legacy, inspiring countless songs, poems, and stories, and forever shaping Scotland’s history.
The Aftermath of Culloden and the End of Jacobitism
The Battle of Culloden (April 16, 1746) was more than just the final military defeat of the Jacobites—it marked the beginning of a brutal crackdown on the Scottish Highlands and the effective end of the Jacobite cause. The British government, determined to crush any future uprisings, implemented harsh policies that dismantled Highland culture, clan society, and the power structures that had long supported the Stuarts.
The Highland Clearances and Government Suppression
In the aftermath of Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland, often referred to as "Butcher Cumberland," led a brutal campaign to eliminate any remaining Jacobite resistance. Government troops systematically hunted down survivors, executing prisoners, burning villages, and seising livestock. Anyone suspected of supporting the Jacobites faced imprisonment, deportation, or execution, with many sent to the American colonies as forced labourers.
This period also saw the beginning of what would later become known as the Highland Clearances. Over the coming decades, many Highlanders—already weakened by war and oppression—were forcibly evicted from their ancestral lands (pictured is BadBae Highland Clearance Croft) to make way for large-scale sheep farming. This devastated Highland communities, forcing many Scots to emigrate to North America, Australia, and beyond in search of a better life.
The Banning of Highland Dress, Tartan, and Weapons
To further weaken Highland identity and prevent future uprisings, the Disarming Act (1746) and the Act of Proscription (1747) were introduced. These laws:
Banned the wearing of tartan, kilts, and traditional Highland dress, which had been a symbol of clan identity.
Prohibited the carrying of weapons, including broadswords and firearms.
Outlawed bagpipes, which were seen as instruments of war.
Any Highlander found violating these laws faced severe punishment, including imprisonment or deportation. The once-proud warrior culture of the Highlands was systematically dismantled, and the clans, which had long functioned as independent power structures, were brought under government control.
The Dismantling of Clan Power and Gaelic Culture
The clan system, which had been the backbone of Highland society, was deliberately weakened. Clan chiefs lost their hereditary power and legal authority over their people, effectively turning them into landlords rather than leaders. Many chiefs, forced to choose between survival and tradition, abandoned their clans in favour of adopting English customs and economic practices.
As English became the dominant language of administration and education, Gaelic culture was further eroded. The Gaelic language was discouraged, and Highland customs, once central to Scottish identity, began to fade.
Charles Edward Stuart’s Escape and Exile – The End of Jacobite Aspirations
In the immediate aftermath of Culloden, Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) became a fugitive, spending five months evading government forces in the Highlands. He was sheltered by loyal Jacobites, including the famous Flora MacDonald, who helped him escape to the Isle of Skye disguised as a maid.
In September 1746, Charles finally escaped to France, where he spent the rest of his life in exile. He made several failed attempts to gain European support for another Jacobite uprising, but the movement had lost momentum. Over time, his influence faded, and he descended into alcoholism and despair, dying in 1788 in Rome—never setting foot in Scotland again.
With Charles’s exile, the Jacobite cause effectively died, and the dream of restoring the House of Stuart was over. The British monarchy under the House of Hanover was now firmly secured, and Scotland was forever changed.
Legacy of the Jacobite Rebellions
Though the Jacobite cause ended in failure, its legacy endures. Romanticised stories, songs, and literature have kept the memory of the Jacobites alive, painting them as tragic heroes fighting for a lost cause. Today, places like Culloden Battlefield, the Glenfinnan Monument, and Eilean Donan Castle attract thousands of visitors who wish to learn about this turbulent chapter in Scottish history.
The defeat at Culloden was not just the end of a rebellion—it was the end of an era for Scotland.
The Jacobite Legacy in Scotland Today
Though the Jacobite cause ended in defeat, its impact on Scotland’s culture, identity, and historical narrative remains profound. Over the centuries, the Jacobite rebellions have been romanticised in literature, music, and film, transforming them from political conflicts into tales of bravery, loyalty, and lost causes.
Romanticism of the Jacobite Cause in Scottish Culture, Literature, and Film
Following the defeat at Culloden, the Jacobites became symbols of noble resistance and Highland pride, even though many Scots at the time had opposed their cause. Writers and poets of the 19th century—particularly during the surge of Scottish romanticism—helped cement the image of the Jacobites as tragic heroes. Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous authors, played a key role in shaping this perception, with novels like Waverley (1814) painting the Jacobite era as a time of honor and adventure.
Scottish folk music also kept the memory of the Jacobites alive, with songs like “The Skye Boat Song” (which tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape) becoming deeply embedded in Scottish cultural identity. Even modern music, poetry, and storytelling continue to celebrate the Jacobites as symbols of defiance and national pride.
The Popularity of Outlander and the Enduring Fascination with Jacobite History
In recent years, the Jacobite story has gained global attention, largely due to the immense popularity of Outlander—a historical drama based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon. The series, which follows a 20th-century woman who travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland, showcases the 1745 Jacobite Rising and the Battle of Culloden, bringing renewed interest to the period.
Key Jacobite Sites to Visit in Scotland
For those looking to explore Jacobite history firsthand, Scotland offers a wealth of sites that played significant roles in the uprisings:
Culloden Battlefield (pictured) – The site of the final, devastating defeat of the Jacobites in 1746. The battlefield and visitor centre provide a moving and immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk the very ground where the rebellion ended.
Visit Culloden on an Orkney Tour.Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument – The Glenfinnan Monument marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard in 1745, signaling the start of the '45 Rising. The nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from the Harry Potter films) offers a stunning backdrop to this historically significant site.
Visit Glenfinnan on an Isle of Skye Tour.
Eilean Donan Castle – A Jacobite stronghold, this iconic castle was destroyed by government forces after the failed 1719 Rising, but has since been rebuilt and remains one of Scotland’s most picturesque landmarks.
Visit Eilean Donan Castle on an Isle of Skye Tour.Edinburgh’s Holyrood Palace – Once a base for the Jacobites, this historic royal residence housed Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 during his brief occupation of Edinburgh.
The Isle of Skye (Flora MacDonald’s Grave) – The final escape route of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Skye remains deeply tied to Jacobite legend. Flora MacDonald, who famously helped the prince evade capture, is buried here. See more about the Isle of Skye.
Tours to Jacobite Sites & More in Scotland
List of Sources Used to Create this Page
VisitScotland – Provides an overview of the Jacobite Rebellions, including key figures, battles, and locations associated with the Jacobite cause. This source was particularly useful for understanding major Jacobite sites in Scotland, such as Culloden Battlefield and Glenfinnan.
National Trust for Scotland – Offers detailed insights into the Battle of Culloden, the final Jacobite defeat in 1746. This source was used to explain the battle’s significance, aftermath, and visitor experience at Culloden Battlefield today.
Historic UK – Provides a chronological breakdown of the Jacobite uprisings, outlining the major rebellions from 1689 to 1746. This was particularly helpful in structuring the timeline of events and understanding the different phases of the Jacobite movement.
National Army Museum – Explores the military aspects of the Jacobite risings, including the tactics used in battles and the role of the British Army in suppressing the uprisings. This source contributed to the sections on Jacobite military strategies and government responses.
Britannica – Defines Jacobitism as a political and religious movement, providing background on its origins and long-term impact. This source was essential for explaining the dynastic and international context behind the Jacobite cause.
Wikipedia – Jacobite Rising of 1745 – Provides a detailed breakdown of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign, including the victories at Prestonpans and Falkirk, the failed advance into England, and the final defeat at Culloden.
Wikipedia – Jacobitism – Covers the broader Jacobite movement, including the ideological and religious motivations behind the uprisings, as well as their legacy in Scotland.
National Museums Scotland – Examines the Jacobite military risings and their impact on Scotland’s political landscape. This source was useful for detailing the decline of Highland culture and the dismantling of clan power after Culloden.
History.co.uk – Provides a concise history of the Jacobite Risings, including key events, battles, and figures such as Viscount Dundee, James Francis Edward Stuart, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
ScotClans – Explores Scotland’s Jacobite history, including the clan involvement in the uprisings and the repercussions for the Highland way of life. This source was helpful in understanding the clan structure and the effects of the government's post-Culloden policies.