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Neil Ritchie
Neil Ritchie is the founder and editor of ScottishHistory.org. Neil has a keen interest in the military history of Scotland and in particular the military history of the Jacobite risings. He is also the editor of other online publications covering military history and defence matters. Neil can be found on Bluesky: @neilritchie.bsky.social
Scottish History Blog
The establishment of the Black Watch
On 25 October 1739, the 43rd Highland Regiment of Foot (Black Watch) was established by Royal Warrant.
The regiment was formed by bringing together six Independent Highland Companies to create a regular highland line regiment...
News
New archaeological dig begins at Culloden
Archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and the University of Glasgow are carrying out a new investigation on the battlefield of Culloden and are being supported by archaeology students and volunteers from...
News
3 SCOTS help maintain and protect Culloden Battlefield
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has been working with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) as part of the army’s Global Charge initiative to promote the well-being of its...
Articles
Ruthven Barracks during the Jacobite ’45
Situated on the south side of the River Spey overlooking the small town of Kingussie in Badenoch, Ruthven Barracks was one of four highland barracks that were constructed following the Jacobite Rising of 1715....
Articles
Battle of Dunkeld during the Jacobite Rising of 1689
At the battle of Dunkeld on 21 August 1689, the Jacobites under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Cannon attacked a Scottish government force of Cameronians, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William Cleland, in and around the town...
Scottish History Blog
The raising of the Jacobite standard at Glenfinnan
On 19 August 1745, the Jacobite standard was raised at Glenfinnan at the head of Loch Shiel in Lochaber, marking the beginning of the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Charles Edward Stuart landed on the Isle of...
Articles
Highbridge Skirmish: Opening shots of the Jacobite ’45
On 16 August 1745, two companies from the 2nd Battalion of St Clair’s 1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots) marching to reinforce the garrison of Fort William were attacked by a party of Macdonalds...
News
Wreck of HMS Hawke discovered off Aberdeenshire coast
The wreck of the Royal Navy warship HMS Hawke which was sunk in October 1914 has been discovered by a team of divers about 70 miles east of Fraserburgh.
The wreckage of the Edgar-class protected...
Scottish History Blog
RAF Oban: Flying boat base during the Second World War
RAF Oban was a Royal Air Force flying boat base located in Ardantrive Bay at the northern end of the Isle of Kerrera, on the opposite side of Oban Bay from the town of...
News
NTS seeks public support to prevent development on Bannockburn Battlefield
The National Trust for Scotland is seeking public support to help prevent the construction of a trotting track on the area located west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road at the...
News
Further visitor access at Jedburgh Abbey following conservation work
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that there will be further access to Jedburgh Abbey with more areas of the site now open following high-level masonry inspections and essential conservation work.
The Abbey Church has...
News
Tiree Community Development Trust launches new Gaelic History Trail
Tiree Community Development Trust (Urras Thiriodh) has launched a new Gaelic History Trail which it hopes will encourage people to explore the island and learn about local history.
The Trust, which is engaged in development...
News
HES seeks public input over future of Calanais Standing Stones
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking the public to share their opinions on plans to implement an entry fee and make potential changes to access at Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis....
Articles
Battle of Killiecrankie and the Jacobite Rising of 1689
At the battle of Killiecrankie on 27 July 1689, Scottish government forces under the command of Major-General Hugh Mackay of Scourie were defeated by a Jacobite army loyal to the deposed King James commanded...
News
Historic Environment Scotland releases first Grants Funding Report
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the second-largest grant provider for heritage in Scotland, has released its first Grants Funding Report. The report showcases how the organization's grants are utilized and aims to identify trends to...
News
Highland law firm uncovers link to historic crofting case
Charles Innes, the founding partner of law firm Innes & Mackay, successfully secured a verdict of not guilty in the first documented legal victory for Highland crofters when he represented three men accused of...
Scottish History Blog
The Capitulation of Irvine
Following a standoff between Scottish and English forces at Irvine in July 1297, the leaders of the Scottish army who were in revolt against Edward I submitted to the English commanders in what became...
News
NTS opposes proposed development at Bannockburn Battlefield
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has sent a letter objecting to the construction of a trotting track on the area located west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road at the...
News
HES seeks views on updated guidance for Scotland’s inventory of historic battlefields
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking input from the public regarding proposed changes to the guidance for designating historic battlefields in Scotland. The public consultation will remain open until Tuesday, 2 July 2024.
HES has...
Articles
The Royal Navy’s capture of Eilean Donan Castle
During the Jacobite Rising of 1719, Royal Navy warships attacked and captured the Spanish-held Eilean Donan Castle in Kintail. The castle was the main Jacobite base and was cannonaded into submission before being seized...
Articles
Battle of Loch nan Uamh during the Jacobite ’45
On 3 May 1746, three Royal Navy warships sailed into Loch nan Uamh in Arisaig and engaged two French privateers that had arrived to deliver weapons and money for the Jacobites.
The French privateers, Le...
News
HES seeks community input for the future management of the Calanais Standing Stones
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking community input to develop proposals for the future management of the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis with the aim of enhancing economic, community, and conservation...
Scottish History Blog
The first muster of the Black Watch at Aberfeldy
In May 1740, the 43rd Highland Regiment of Foot (Black Watch) mustered for the first time on the banks of the River Tay at Aberfeldy.
The regiment had been established by Royal Warrant on 25...
News
Archaeologists uncover grapeshot and a clan chief’s shoe buckle at Culloden
Recent investigations by National Trust for Scotland (NTS) archaeologists at Culloden battlefield have uncovered a wide range of artefacts, including what is believed to be Donald Cameron of Lochiel's shoe buckle.
The fierceness of the...
Scottish History Blog
The Ardeer Company and the defence of Nobel’s Explosive Factory
In November 1912, Nobel's Explosive Factory at Ardeer in Ayrshire formed a company of reserve soldiers from their workforce to guard the site in the event of war with Germany. The Ardeer Company was...
News
Evidence of a drawbridge at Brodick Castle discovered
Evidence of an early 17th-century drawbridge protecting Brodick Castle has been discovered during recent conservation work by the National Trust for Scotland.
During the repointing work on the exterior of Brodick Castle, blocked vertical slots...
Scottish History Blog
The sinking of HMS Dasher
On 27 March 1943, Royal Navy Avenger-class escort carrier HMS Dasher (D37) suffered a major internal explosion and sank in the Firth of Clyde, midway between the Isle of Arran and Ardrossan.
The vessel was built by the...
News
Propeller from Second World War aircraft found on Arran
A propeller blade thought to be from a Second World War aircraft has been discovered on the Isle of Arran.
A contractor working for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) discovered the propellor blade wrapped...
News
Strong support to save traditional skills in heritage sector
A recent survey conducted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has found that there is significant support for the preservation of traditional skills and jobs required to protect Scotland's historic buildings and properties.
The survey...
News
Gaelic language under threat as SNP Government cuts funding
The Scottish Government has reportedly decided to cut £354,000 from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a body set up to protect and promote the Gaelic language. This cut in funding has raised concerns that the survival...
News
The search for Scotland’s ancient pinewoods
Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland have begun a project to discover the lost pinewoods of Scotland before they disappear.
The Wild Pine Project is a joint initiative by Trees for Life and Woodland...
Articles
Massacre of Glencoe: Last act of the Highland War
In the early hours of 13 February 1692, Scottish government soldiers under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon fell upon their hosts, the Macdonalds of Glencoe. In a cold-blooded breach of highland...
News
Views sought on Antonine Wall management plan
Historic Environment Scotland, in partnership with Falkirk Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow City Council, is organizing consultation sessions for the community to seek their input on shaping...
News
Missing Stone of Destiny fragment discovered at SNP HQ
A "missing" fragment of the Stone of Destiny which was gifted to First Minister Alex Salmond in 2008 has been discovered in a cupboard at the headquarters of the Scottish National Party.
The Stone of...
Scottish History Blog
When the Jacobites fined the town of Paisley
On 29 December 1745, a summons was issued by Charles Edward Stuart from Glasgow to the magistrates of Paisley demanding that the town pay a £1,000 fine for raising a militia regiment against the...
News
University of Aberdeen research on the Picts to feature on two new TV shows
The University of Aberdeen Archaeology Department's efforts to unveil the history of the Picts have earned them a place on the shortlist for a highly esteemed book award and will see their work showcased...
News
HES granted £74.2 million as part of the Scottish Government’s Budget
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has been allocated grant in aid funding of £74.2 million as part of the Scottish Government’s 2024-2025 Budget.
The grant in aid funding for the financial year 2024-25 has been increased...
News
NTS begins work on the new Glencoe Greenway
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has announced that construction work on the new Glencoe Greenway will begin this winter.
The Glencoe Greenway is a shared-use path that will allow locals and visitors to...
Scottish History Blog
The Humbie Heinkel
On 28 October 1939, a Heinkel He 111 bomber was intercepted by Spitfires of No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron and shot down near the village of Humbie...
Articles
Siege of Inveraray during the Jacobite Rising of 1715
In October 1715, the western Jacobite clans under Major-General Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul marched into Argyllshire with the intention of capturing the town and castle of Inveraray, the capital of Clan Campbell and the...