The last battle on British soil, Culloden marked the end of clan culture, was the harbinger of the Highland Clearances, ensured the inevitability of the American Revolution, and increased the outpouring of Scots across the globe. It is the only battle that British Army regiments are not permitted to include on their battle honors; the only battle that Bonnie Prince Charlie ever lost; and the only battle that Cumberland ever won. As visitors make their way to the site of Culloden, they bring with them their stories and their grandfather's stories—sometimes haunting, sometimes humorous, but always impressive. A poignant location, resonant with past deeds and emotive memories, the battlefield inevitably affects those who work there, including the author. Having worked there for many years, he has collected these stories and offers them here as a unique record of the power of the place. There are tales from both before and during the battle, stories from those who visit from all corners of the globe, and tales from those who work there. These stories tell of civil war, love, the unexpected, and even the supernatural.
Culloden Tales
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About the Author
Hugh G. Allison was born in Lochaber in 1960 and has worked in the tourism industry and for the Highland Council. Following a period working in the US in 2000, he is now employed by the National Trust for Scotland and has worked at Culloden for many years. Married with two children, Hugh currently lives in Nairn and is also the author of Roots of Stone.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
`It is the kind of place where stories collide',
By J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Culloden Tales: Stories from Scotland's Most Famous Battlefield (Hardcover)
This is not a scholarly history of the Battle of Culloden. It is a collection of stories from, and about, Culloden compiled by Hugh Allison who works there. Everyone descended from families who took part in this battle, this civil war between the Houses of Stuart and Hanover, will have their own perceptions about the battle and its consequences.
The Battle of Culloden was fought at Drummossie Moor on 16 April 1746. There were many brave, on both sides of the battlefield, and many legends have grown. For myself, as a member of Clan Cameron, I am pleased to see a photograph of the Clan Cameron Stone and to read an account of the actions of the Gentle Lochiel and Dr Archie Cameron. Generally, the Clan Cameron account in the book accords with oral family history and other sources. Much has been written about Culloden. Much of it romanticised and simplified, and is often presented from the Jacobite perspective. This book fills a particular gap. It provides a sense of the place, a perspective for the events and, most importantly, combines histories from a number of different sources. The select bibliography will be of value for those who want more information about the history and events. For myself, I am happy to welcome this book to my bookshelves. I first learned a particularly partisan account of Culloden some 45 years ago. I have since learned that legend is not necessarily fact. Recommended to those with an interest in the place, the battle and the aftermath. Jennifer Cameron-Smith
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
THE CRY OF THE RAVEN RANG OVER THE MOORS,
By
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This review is from: Culloden Tales: Stories from Scotland's Most Famous Battlefield (Hardcover)
I just finished Hugh G. Allison's "Culloden Tales." Mr. Allison is not just the author, but is employed by the national Trust of Scotland and has worked at Culloden for numerous years. His passion of the subject is evident!
I'm not sure what I expected when I ordered this book. However, the cover depicts a classic Scottish basket-hilt broadsword sticking out of a grassy field, and a discarded "targe" (shield) lies off to the side. The heavy overcast of sky is enhanced by the swords blade glittering in the rays of dying sunlight. Litteral or, symbolic, it draws you into the pages of the book as strongly as the shrill of the bagpipe! Mr. Allison immediately advises the reader what his intentions are in the book during his Introduction and Prologue. He lays out the contents perfectly and follows each sub-title exactly as he indicates he will. The first part of the book quickly shoots the reader through the ancient history of Scotland and then, proceeds into the time period of Culloden. I admit, that despite the author's excellent format structuring, I became somewhat lost in the quagmire of the Stewart (Stuart?) dynasties, and those of Hanover. Perhaps, my American ignorance of royal family linage is partially to blame. Despite the cousins, uncles, and other familial conglomerations, Mr. Allison keeps the reader attuned to numerous facts which include such specifics as: "The battle of Culloden was not a war between England and Scotland: it was a British Civil war between the houses of Stuart, and Hanover." Further, "It was not a religious war between Catholic and Protestant, but Protestant Presbyterian versus Protestant Episcopalian," and ...many more reasons that the reader will discover. Allison mentions numerous Clans who participated on both sides, but mainly that of the Jacobites. He describes some of the Clans and their battle positions within the attacking frontal assault. He also tells where these Clan members fell in realtionship to the overall battle. Apparently, many rocks are placed throughout the battlefield where these Clansmen are buried. However, an aerial photo of the historic site would have been more helpfull for readers such as myself. Allison supplies numerous photographs of rock monuments showing the inscription of Clan names, but again... without a visual reference to their overall positions. Furthermore, he mentions some new artifacts which recently came to light, but...not a drawing or photograph to help the reader visualize them. Perhaps, the most interesting part of the book is ...Part Four. Part Four centers on certain stories handed down to descendants of the battle participants and "Naturally...the Supernatural!" Many of these collected ghostly stories from those who work there, or have simply visited the site are truly interesting! All in all...a good job Mr. Allison! My mother was a Campbell and...the words to an old folk song of the 60's played in my head as I read the book. The words went something like this: "The cry of the raven rang over the moors; the drums were calling the Clans to war. Then,it's good by Mum and Mary, I'm off to war to fight for the honor of the son that you bore. Never forget who you are my son, never dishonor the Clan, for your fathers before you they died in the fields...died for our green pasture lands. And over the hill lies brave Bobby Campbell ...the gun still clutched in his hands..." Grab your sword and dirk! Culloden is calling!!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Delightful Book,
By
This review is from: Culloden Tales: Stories from Scotland's Most Famous Battlefield (Hardcover)
I picked up "Culloden Tales" at the Illinois Scottish Games, and found it to be a delightful book. It will be enjoyed by everyone who loves Scotland, history or just good stories. A note: it is not to be read as a definitive history of the battle, but as a collection of stories, tying history to people today.
Robert A. Hall Author: The Coming Collapse of the American Republic (All royalties go to a charity to help wounded veterans)
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