Senior Historian Chris Anderson just wrapped up another great Scotland: Jacobite Rising of 1745 Tour. Sunshine, awesome guests, and tour manager extraordinaire George Luz, Jr. “enjoying” his first taste of haggis! What’s not to love?
A personal highlight for Chris was visiting the regimental museums. Below, he recaps a few of his favorite exhibits.
The Regimental Museums of Scotland
By Chris Anderson
As many of you know, in addition to my History Happy Hour podcast duties, this month I was able to lead the Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours Jacobite Rebellion tour in Scotland. I always love being back in Scotland. One of the reasons for this are the tremendous regimental museums. This time around I was able to see the Royal Highland Fusiliers, Black Watch, Argyle and Sutherland, Royal Scots, Scots Dragoon Guards, National War Museum and Queens Own Highlanders museums, all while fitting in some outstanding Jacobite War sites and the stellar Edinburgh Tattoo. Lots of tartan, pipes and other outstanding artifacts including a number from the American War of Independence.
Two of my favorite artifacts were paintings of two Scots who served in America with distinction.
The first is Lieutenant James Stewart of the 1st Battalion, 42nd Regiment, better known as the Black Watch. James served as a lieutenant in the 42nd for thirteen years before being promoted captain on 24 November 1790. He retired in 1804 after many years of loyal service.
The second is Major Duncan McPherson of Cluny, who served in the 71st Frasers Highlanders during the war. Cluny went on to serve in the Scots Guards and retired in 1791.
I’d been aware of these paintings for years, but it was a real treat to see the originals on this trip.
And then are the powder horns. Powder horns were most common in North America during French and Indian War, the American War of Independence and the War of 1812. Like the ones in the photo, many were hand engraved by soldiers when they were sitting around camp during a lull in the action. The engravings can be quite elaborate and almost always include the name of who owned the horn and the date the horn was engraved.
Scotland: Jacobite Rising of 1745 Tour
Chris wasn’t the only one who had a wonderful time on tour in Scotland.
Guest Lynn Hargrove recently posted the following tour review on our website:
“This was my third tour with Stephen Ambrose, second with Chris as Historian. Absolutely the best! Chris brought so much information to the table. He wove the story of Prince Charles into the fabric of the United States. Clair was just awesome. My wife joined me on this tour and enjoyed it very much. We cannot recommend it more highly.”
