Dedication of Memorial Tables for Clans who fought in The Battle of Prestonpans

The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust have secured support for the creation of Memorial Tables to be placed and dedicated at Prestonpans on 15th September 2018.

The Battle of Prestonpans was the first significant conflict in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The Battle took place early morning on 21^st September 1745. The Jacobite army led by Charles Edward Stuart achieved a stunning victory over the government army led by Sir John Cope. Cope’s aim was to defeat the Jacobite forces and nip the rebellion “in the bud”. The government force was between 2,200 to 2,800 strong while the Jacobite army numbered between 2000 and 2,500.

 

The inexperienced government troops were outflanked and broke in the face of a highland charge. The battle was over in less than 15 minutes. The victory was a huge morale boost for the Jacobites. Hundreds of government troops were killed or wounded and 1500 taken prisoner. Only 170 escaped. The Jacobite Army suffered fewer than 100 troops killed or wounded.

The MacDonald Clans played a major role in this battle, making up nearly half the Jacobite force. Reported numbers are;

Glengarry 400
Clanranald 200
Keppoch 250
Glencoe 100

The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust was established in 2006 to ensure a much better presentation and opportunity for visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the battle.

The Trust has campaigned since 2006 for a proper memorial which lists the Clans and Regiments that were involved. They have received a grant to create two Memorial Tables, one for each side in the combat.

The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust is now putting out the Call to all those Clans which fought with the Prince at Prestonpans and to the “Successor” Regiments of those engaged there in support of the government in 1745 serving the British Army today to share in the Dedication.

The Dedication will be held on 15th September 2018. There is an invitation for as many MacDonalds who are able to attend to share in the Dedication and remain for the Scottish Battlefields Trust’s re-enactment of the battle. The two Memorial Tables will be carried in procession on a gun carriage through Prestonpans to the scene of the 2018 re-enactments.

For more information visit the Trust’s very good website. http://www.battleofprestonpans1745.org/heritagetrust/

Alan MacDonald
High Commissioner for Clan Donald in New Zealand