Attraction Guide: Culloden Moor, Culloden, Scotland

Culloden Moor Guide

Stand on Hallowed Ground: Remember the Battle of Culloden Guide

Culloden Moor, a windswept and evocative landscape near Inverness, Scotland, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish history and the Jacobite uprisings. It's the site of the Battle of Culloden, fought on April 16, 1746, a pivotal moment that marked the end of the Jacobite cause and significantly shaped the future of Scotland. Walking across the moor, you'll feel the weight of history and gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded here. The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation between the Jacobite forces, led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), and the British government troops, commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. The Jacobites, seeking to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne, suffered a devastating defeat. The battle was short and brutal, lasting less than an hour, but its consequences were far-reaching. In the aftermath, the Highland way of life was suppressed, and the clan system was dismantled. The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre provides a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and its lasting impact. Visitors can explore the battlefield, marked by memorial stones dedicated to the clans who fought there. The visitor centre offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours that bring the story of Culloden to life. You can walk the marked trails across the moor, imagining the clash of armies and the cries of the fallen. The centre also features a 360-degree battle immersion film that puts you right in the heart of the action. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly tied to the battlefield itself, nearby Inverness offers a range of Scottish cuisine, including haggis, neeps and tatties, and fresh seafood.