On this weeks instalment of the Cooper Cottages Scottish History series, we’re going to take a look into the ‘Battle of Killiecrankie (1689)’, one of the first major Scottish victories in the Jacobite Rebellions. Before the Battle in 1688, many of the prominent protestant English magnates had become weary of King James VII’s Catholic…
On our next edition to the Scottish history series, we will be looking into the battle of Flodden in the year 1513. A battle which would turn out to be one of the largest military disasters in Scottish history. Before the Battle The leading events to the battle of Flodden began in the year…
On this next chapter in our Scottish history series I want to travel forward in time from our times with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace to the year 1715, during the Jacobite Rebellions. Before the Battle After the coronation of George I in 1714, much unrest could be found in Scotland as the…
As a continuation of the Scottish history series, this week we will be delving into the battle of Stirling Bridge, 17 years prior to the battle of Bannockburn. Pre-Battle In the year 1297, Scotland found itself under the rule of English King Edward I after a provoked invasion in 1296. While the Scottish King…
As I discussed in my previous post, it is important to keep your mind active just as much as your body and as learning something new is a fantastic way to do that, I thought I could make this weeks blog an educational read. Specifically on Scottish history, a topic I am particularly passionate about.…
What does a staycation stand for? It is a holiday that does not require you to travel very far from your home. This is perfect if you love spontaneous trips or if you want to go away for a weekend because it does not require that much planning! And what a better time than November…
The earliest known Highland Games in Scotland are lost to the mists of time. One of the earliest proposed origins dates to the 11th Century, when King Malcolm III organized a foot race at Craig Choinich in Braemar to determine the swiftest amongst his men to be his messenger. Whatever the truth of this story,…
Visitors from all over the world travel to Balquhidder to see the last resting place of Scottish outlaw and hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. Named “Roy” (gaelic Rudh) due to his red beard, MacGregor was a thorn in the side of the establishment of his day, known for cattle rustling and later as an outlaw. He…
If you’re looking to challenge yourself this year, get out and explore Scotland, get fit and explore the history and heritage of the country, then this blog might be for you. Who were the Caterans? In the middle ages, cattle thieves known as the Caterans terrorized the areas around Glenshee. The gaelic ‘ceatharn’ (warrior)…
Glencoe is perhaps one of the most infamous glens in Scotland due to the Glencoe Massacre which occurred in 1692. Following the accession to the throne of William III, a royal proclamation declared that the new subjects were to declare their allegiance to the king before 1st January 1692. The MacDonalds did not take this…