Historian leaves generous legacy to protect Culloden

Professor Duffy had a long connection to the Trust, and Culloden was one of his key research focuses. His books on the battle are considered among the most authoritative on the subject; perhaps his best known is The ’45: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the untold story of the Jacobite Rising. The royalties from the sale of his books from now on will go to the Trust to benefit Culloden.

This news was revealed during Remember A Charity week (8–14 September 2025), which takes place each September and encourages people to consider including a gift to a charity in their Will. Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ’Through his academic brilliance, generous collaboration and philanthropic support for Culloden 300 and the Culloden Fighting Fund, in his lifetime Professor Duffy made an extraordinary and lasting impact on how we understand, interpret and protect Culloden. By leaving the royalties from his books and a remarkably generous legacy, he ensured that his life’s work and passion will continue to shape the future.’

Gail Cleaver, Operations Manager for Culloden, said: ’We are deeply grateful that Christopher continued his lifetime of support by leaving a gift in his Will for the National Trust for Scotland’s work at Culloden. His generosity will help us ensure that this place, which he knew so much about and cared for so deeply, will be protected now and for the future, and that the stories from this momentous historical event – which incredibly are still emerging – will be shared.’

Professor Duffy was an active advocate for the site, visiting frequently and generously sharing his knowledge, research and expertise. A much-respected authority on 18th-century military history, he provided us with valuable information that has added hugely to the understanding of this complex battle, the site itself, and its impact both in Scotland and around the world.

Fellow historian and National Trust for Scotland Trustee Professor Murray Pittock paid tribute to this deep connection, saying: ’Working with Christopher on the defence and protection of Culloden Battlefield was a privilege, which can only bring home to us all how deep this loss is. Travelling the length of the UK well into his eighties, Professor Duffy tirelessly expounded to numerous audiences the scale and immense importance of the UK’s most visited battle site, and the need to protect it for future generations in Scotland and throughout the global diaspora which had its beginning there.’

Professor Duffy was particularly interested in the use of LiDAR survey data to review the micro-topography of the battlefield – this allows identification of areas that might have once been boggy hollows or burns, which could have affected the troops’ movement.

Derek Alexander, Head of Archaeology, said: ’Working with Christopher was always a privilege and rewarding. He once gave an impromptu lecture about the Culloden map evidence he had collected to our archaeological volunteers as we started our series of recent investigations. He grabbed the attention of everyone in the room and, armed with his knowledge and enthusiasm, we went out to look for evidence. Without Christopher’s support we would not have been able to undertake our wide range of investigations.’