Culloden Commemoration 2022

In 1745–46, during the final Jacobite rising, a brutal civil war took place across Britain. Communities were torn apart and lives were destroyed.

In Scotland’s Year of Stories and 276 years after the Battle of Culloden, we’re exploring the story of the battle and the stories of the people affected by it, as well as considering the impact of a civil war. This feels even more important when put into the context of current world events, be they in Ukraine, Syria or Ethiopia.

Join us for a series of free events from Thursday 14–Sunday 17 April.

Timetable of 2022 events

Thursday 14 April

10.15am – Conservation grazing at Culloden
On-site event

Come and find out how we manage our landscape through the use of conservation grazing. Cattle, horses, and goats all play their part to ensure we are able to tell the wider story of the battle.

10.30am – War stories
Online event
War Stories of Culloden: a series of short talks

Discover a range of perspectives on the Battle of Culloden in this series of 20-minute talks. These online talks and are free to enjoy.

2pm – The blueprint of Culloden
On-site event

Join our engagement team for an hour-long tour of the battlefield. This tour will explore the tactics of battle, the role of the cavalry and artillery, and the impact of the conflict upon the communities that surround Culloden.

Friday 15 April

10.15am – Conservation grazing at Culloden
On-site event

Come and find out how we manage our landscape through the use of conservation grazing. Cattle, horses, and goats all play their part to ensure we are able to tell the wider story of the battle.

10.30am – Then and now
Online event
Culloden Commemoration films

Join Derek Alexander (Head of Archaeology for the National Trust for Scotland) and Professor Christopher Duffy (author of The ’45 and Fight for a Throne: The Jacobite ’45 Reconsidered) as they discuss the recent archaeological dig on site and the new maps that have been drawn together.

1pm – Aftermath & Cumberland’s policy in Scotland
On-site and online event
Recordings of Culloden Commemoration 2022 events

Join Professor Murray Pittock (author of Culloden) in our annual 1745 Association Lecture, as he examines the impact of government policy in Scotland in the aftermath of Culloden. This session will be broadcast online and limited seats will be available in the audience on site.

2pm – The blueprint of Culloden
On-site event

Join our engagement team for an hour-long tour of the battlefield. This tour will explore the tactics of battle, the role of the cavalry and artillery, and the impact of the conflict upon the communities that surround Culloden.

Saturday 16 April

11am – Commemoration
On-site event

Join the Gaelic Society of Inverness for the annual commemoration of the battle. The event will consist of wreath laying and an address by the honorary Chief of the Society. This is an unticketed event, but parking is limited on site.

1pm – Perspectives of battle
On-site and online event
Recordings of Culloden Commemoration 2022 events

Join David Alston (author of Slaves and Highlanders: Silenced histories of Scotland and the Caribbean), Maggie Craig (author of Damn Rebel Bitches and Bare-Arsed Banditti) and Dr Arran Johnston (founding director of the Scottish Battlefields Trust) as they discuss different perspectives on the battle of Culloden, highlighting often-overlooked voices and consequences of the conflict. This session will be broadcast online and limited seats will be available in the audience on site.

Sunday 17 April

10.15am – Conservation grazing at Culloden
On-site event

Come and find out how we manage our landscape through the use of conservation grazing. Cattle, horses, and goats all play their part to ensure we are able to tell the wider story of the battle.

10.30am – The view from the field
Online event
Culloden Commemoration films

Join Operations Manager Raoul Curtis Machin and Estate Manager Catriona McIntosh as they talk to members of the Culloden estate team about their ongoing work. They will discuss the impact of the landscape of the battlefield, the sense of place and what day-to-day care looks like.

1pm – Talking tartan
Online event
Culloden Commemoration films

Tartan fabric plays a huge role in Scottish culture. Discover more about tartan weaving today and the history of the cloth in this interesting and engaging talk with Andrew Mackenzie (Head of Old Master Paintings at Bonhams) and Clare Campbell (owner-founder and driving force behind Prickly Thistle Tartan).

2pm – The blueprint of Culloden
On-site event

Join our engagement team for an hour-long tour of the battlefield. This tour will explore the tactics of battle, the role of the cavalry and artillery, and the impact of the conflict upon the communities that surround Culloden.