Glenfinnan
One of the most recognisable of all Scottish monuments has to be the Jacobite memorial at Glenfinnan. A spot marked in history as the place the final Jacobite rebellion started from, after the defiant raising of the Royal Standard on August 19th 1745. Prince Charlie managed to inspire the confidence and support of the loyal clansmen and it was here they rallied in support of the Stewart monarchy.
Despite a faltering start when it appeared that Charles had grossly overestimated the support he would receive, eventually 1200 fighting men arrived. This was a suitable force to begin their fight and the rebellion was to gather momentum as they marched first of all on Edinburgh before making their ill fated push towards London.
The raising of the Royal Standard is also commemorated with the ever popular Glenfinnan Gathering and Games which are held in August each year on whichever weekend falls closest to the 17th.
Fans of the Harry Potter series will especially enjoy a visit to the Glenfinnan viaduct. This is the viaduct that the Hogwarth's Express crosses in the films and where Ron and Harry were seen chasing it in the flying car.
Over 100 years old and 100 feet high it was built to carry the railway from Fort William to Mallaig where the ferry sails up to Skye. It was a groundbreaking construction in its day and the first large structure anywhere in the world to be made of concrete. In fact it is said that one of the pillars contains the body of a horse which was dragged into the concrete when the cart it was pulling toppled in!
What we do at Glenfinnan:
- Hear the History and Legends
- Catch the Ferry to Skye
- Photograph one of the Harry Potter film locations
Tours that will visit Glenfinnan include:
Other places that may be of interest include:
