Jacobite Festival: 15-24 August 2025

Battle of Prestonpans Museum, Town Hall, High Street, EH32 9AY

Two special exhibitions will be open every day of the Festival, as the museum celebrates 15 years of the Prestonpans Tapestry. Come and see this amazing 105m long artwork telling the story of the Prestonpans campaign in 1745. In addition, the “We Saw the Enemy” exhibition introduces some of the opportunities and challenges of evaluating eye-witness testimony of the battle.

Open 11am-4pm. Free entry but donations welcome.

Battle of Prestonpans Museum – Battle of Prestonpans 1745

All week. Visitor Centre Jacobite Exhibition (free) or climb the 62 steps to the top of the famous Glenfinnan Monument book a timed ticket here (£4-£5).

Adjacent to NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre PH49 4HX. All week 9.30am to 5pm visit this reconstructed 17th century turf house typical of the homes of the MacDonalds of Glencoe. Free. Guided tour daily at 2pm, free.

Falkirk Battlefield, South Bantaskine Car Park, off Lochgreen Road, Falkirk

Meet the Battle of Falkirk Muir (1746) Trust for an exploration of the landscape and events of the largest battle of The ’45, where the Jacobites defeated General Hawley in January 1746.

1pm start.

Booking link here

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

10am-3pm (included in the standard entry ticket).

A day of activities exploring what the Palace was like during the Prince’s visit in 1745. Discover some of the intriguing Jacobite objects on display.

Throughout August, a family Jacobite activity trail will be available.

For more details visit: Jacobite Activity Day

(NTS), East Linton, EH40 3DS

10.30am-4pm Meet Jacobite and Redcoat soldiers from 1745, as the historic mill’s grounds are transported back to the 18th century. Visit their encampments, find out more about East Lothian’s role in the conflict, and witness what happens when rival patrols clash! With the Alan Breck’s Regiment.

Entry to the event is free (donations welcome); normal charges for timed tours of the mill.

For details of the mill, and tickets for tours: Preston Mill | National Trust for Scotland

Repeating on Sunday 17 August.

National Trust for Scotland activities will include Glenfinnan Monument open to climb (10am to 4pm) – to mark this special day in Glenfinnan’s calendar, the doors are open for FREE (donations welcome); Plus a family Jacobite craft activity on Games Field; Fight like a Highlander demos and participation activities run by Team Culloden; Jacobite collection handling activities run by Team Culloden

Preston Mill (NTS), East Linton, EH40 3DS

10.30am-4pm

Meet Jacobite and Redcoat soldiers from 1745, as the historic mill’s grounds are transported back to the 18th century. Visit their encampments, find out more about East Lothian’s role in the conflict, and witness what happens when rival patrols clash! With the Alan Breck’s Regiment.

Entry to the event is free (donations welcome); normal charges for timed tours of the mill.

For details of the mill, and tickets for tours: Preston Mill | National Trust for Scotland

‘Isabel Haldane of Ardsheal and the cruel Captain Caroline Frederick Scott’. £5, Booking link here.

Fingask Castle – a Jacobite stronghold – home to Sir Stuart Threipland – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s physician. Sir Stuart’s descendants, the Threiplands of Fingask, will be at home to welcome you and share family stories and heirlooms and help you explore the Alice in Wonderland surreal garden and discover the FINGASK LONG BARROW- a new structure – the first to be built in Scotland in over 3000 years. We will be serving Lemon Posset for tea from Sir Stuart’s mother’s recipe book – the 17th century manuscript, in Lady Katherine’s own hand, will be on display along with other family heirlooms.

The 19th century Threipland Coach will also be on display.

Tickets £20, children free. Dogs on leads welcome, free range guinea fowl not for tea! Booking link here

A fascinating book about Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Physican will be on sale at the Jacobite tea Party on Sunday 17th August with a personal dedication to YOU from a Threipland of Fingask!

Also available on display will be handcrafted Scottish Targes (shields) and other leather goods by Graeme Biggerstaff.

11.30am (depart Fort William). This is the location where Prince Charles Edward first landed, last departed and where arms and gold for the Jacobite cause were landed in 1746. A West Highland Museum event, come and explore with us… Book here (essential)

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

11am-3pm, Great Gallery (included in standard entry ticket)
This year marks the 280th anniversary of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in September 1745. There are many amazing objects connected to the Jacobites found around the Palace of Holyroodhouse, including a beautiful box featuring a miniature of Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. This summer, join us every Monday in the Great Gallery to make your very own trinket box to take home.

For more details, visit: Monday Makes

7pm, Scottish Battlefields Trust – YouTube

Jenn Scott, author of “I am Minded to Rise” and “The Men of Warre”, explores the clothing and appearance of Jacobite soldiers in the risings of 1689-1715. The talk will be broadcast on YouTube and available for the duration of the Festival.

Talk by renowned expert sword maker and master-at-arms Paul Macdonald: ‘The Stirling Bridge Swords’, a ground-breaking tale of two swords which sheds new light on one of Scotland’s most famous and important battles of the Scottish Wars of Independence, The Battle of Stirling Bridge. The original Stirling Bridge longsword was discovered in the banks of the River Forth by the original Stirling Bridge, the location of the mighty conflict with Scottish forces led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray against the English forces of Edward I. Book tickets here

Join the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust on YouTube, for the launch of The Tabletop ’45, a new video series which will bring the last Jacobite rising to life throughout the 280th anniversary year – through miniature figures and tabletop landscapes!

Follow as the campaign gets under way by watching over at www.youtube.com/@Prestonpans1745

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, nr Inverness, IV2 5EU

Hourly guided tours of the battlefield with our expert guides Inside the museum an array of presentations, from Plaid demonstrations to weapon handling. Costumed interpretation throughout the building with interactive handling tables.

Booking for tours in advance is through our eventbrite page HERE.

Make a secret symbol fan or a Jacobite Targe! Free.

Join Highland Archive Service Family Historian, Anne Fraser, and Community Engagement Officer, Lorna Steele-McGinn, to hear the intertwining stories of three particular families – Rose of Kilravock, Mackenzie of Seaforth, and Mackintosh of Borlum. No charge but donations towards the work of the Highland Archive Service gratefully received. Book here.

Contact – Lorna Steele-McGinn, lorna.steele@highlifehighland.com

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, nr Inverness, IV2 5EU

Hourly guided tours of the battlefield with our expert guides Inside the museum an array of presentations, from Plaid demonstrations to weapon handling. Costumed interpretation throughout the building with interactive handling tables.

Booking for tours in advance is through our eventbrite page HERE.

Meadowmill Sports Centre carpark, Prestonpans, EH33 1LZ

1pm-3pm

Join historian Arran Johnston for a guided walk exploring the site of the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. Free but donations welcome (to the Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust). Begins and ends at the sports centre car park.

Please book your space HERE.

At 2pm ‘Rebel, Rebel’ ninety-minute walking tour of sites associated with the Jacobites and the fictional ‘Outlander’ series. Charge. Booking essential. Details and booking at walktheoldtown.co.uk/tours

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

10.30 and 12pm

Join Georgia Vullinghs, Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History, for a one-hour gallery tour to explore the history and legacy of the Jacobite risings in Scotland. View a century of objects relating to the overthrow of James VII and the subsequent effort of his descendants to reclaim their crowns. Objects on display include: 

• gloves worn by John Graham of Claverhouse “Bonnie Dundee” leader of the Jacobite army
• medals and portraits sent by the Stuarts to Britain to prepare supporters for their return
• glasses engraved with Jacobite coded symbols
• weapons associated with the Highland armies

And a tour on Jacobites would not be complete without Charles Edward Stuart. Highlights include the silver canteen, sword and targe thought to have been gifted to him for his 21st birthday. From where it all began in 1688, the tour will take you through the cultural legacy of the Jacobites in Scotland. 

£12, booking essential.

More information and booking here.

‘1715: Highland Family Connections’ with accompanying original Jacobite document exhibition. 2pm. Join Highland Archive Service Family Historian, Anne Fraser, and Community Engagement Officer, Lorna Steele-McGinn, to hear the intertwining stories of three particular families – Rose of Kilravock, Mackenzie of Seaforth, and Mackintosh of Borlum.   The talk will be accompanied by a display of original Jacobite documents which can be viewed between 12pm and 4pm.

Please book for the talk by contacting archives@highlifehighland.com or telephoning 01349 781130. Alternatively drop in to just see the displays between 12-4. Contact – Lorna Steele-McGinn, lorna.steele@highlifehighland.com

Wed 20th August 4pm to Thursday 21st August 8.30pm.
Join Làmhan and HandBound Costumes for a two-day event at the West Highland Museum in Fort William, where they will be sharing insights from their ongoing research project ‘Threads of History’. This project focuses on exploring and interpreting items of clothing held in museum collections that are associated with Prince Charles Edward Stuart and aims to shed light on their historical, cultural, and material significance.

Whether you are interested in 18th-century history, material culture, or the lives behind the legends, this is a chance to engage directly with the process of historical interpretation, ask questions, and see examples of reconstructed garments inspired by original pieces.Free (donations welcome).

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, nr Inverness, IV2 5EU

Hourly guided tours of the battlefield with our expert guides Inside the museum an array of presentations, from Plaid demonstrations to weapon handling. Costumed interpretation throughout the building with interactive handling tables.

Booking for tours in advance is through our eventbrite page HERE.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

2pm, Great Gallery (included in the standard entry ticket)

Join us for short talks to discover what the Palace was like during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s visit in 1745 and how a recent discovery has been made to change our perception of his time here.

This event is also being repeated on 7th, 14th and 28th August.

At 2pm ‘Rebel, Rebel’ ninety-minute walking tour of sites associated with the Jacobites and the fictional ‘Outlander’ series. Charge. Booking essential. Details and booking at walktheoldtown.co.uk/tours

Wed 20th August 4pm to Thursday 21st August 8.30pm.
Join Làmhan and HandBound Costumes for a two-day event at the West Highland Museum in Fort William, where they will be sharing insights from their ongoing research project ‘Threads of History’. This project focuses on exploring and interpreting items of clothing held in museum collections that are associated with Prince Charles Edward Stuart and aims to shed light on their historical, cultural, and material significance. Whether you are interested in 18th-century history, material culture, or the lives behind the legends, this is a chance to engage directly with the process of historical interpretation, ask questions, and see examples of reconstructed garments inspired by original pieces. Free (donations welcome).

Clan Cameron Museum, Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,  PH34 4EJ

Join us for a guided tour of the Clan Cameron Museum and the famous Beech Avenue, exploring the strong connections between the clan and the Jacobite cause.

10am-11am.

Free but booking essential. Please email curator@clancameronmuseum.co.uk to reserve your space.

Dunkeld Museum & Community Archive, The Cross, Dunkeld , Perths PH8 0AN

Ready your muskets and join the Sir Arthur Erskine Regiment for a tour of the site of Dunkeld’s 1689 Jacobite Battle! Reenactors in full historical costume will lead a tour around the village and explain the events which led to the Battle of Dunkeld on 21st August 1689 including the famous battle at Killiecrankie less than a month before. 

4 x Guided tours: 10.30am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3,30pm.

Tickets available HERE

(also running on Saturday 23 August)

Battle of Prestonpans Museum, High Street, Prestonpans, EH32 9AY

7.30pm

Join us for fascinating new insights in the community living in the Prestonpans battlefield area at the time of the battle, with a focus on those who joined with the Jacobite cause in the wake of the prince’s victory. Part of the “Beyond the Battle” research project, supported by Historic Environment Scotland.

Tickets £5, available HERE.

At 2pm ‘Rebel, Rebel’ ninety-minute walking tour of sites associated with the Jacobites and the fictional ‘Outlander’ series. Charge. Booking essential. Details and booking at walktheoldtown.co.uk/tours

Traquair House, Innerleithen, nr Peebles, EH44 6PW

11am-6pm

As part of the theme of The Art of Resistance, Traquair’s Jacobite history and artefacts will be showcased throughout the house. There will also be a tour/talk as part of the weekend’s events.

Tickets and information here: https://bbintfest.com/

Clan Cameron Museum, Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,  PH34 4EJ

Join us for a guided tour of the Clan Cameron Museum and the famous Beech Avenue, exploring the strong connections between the clan and the Jacobite cause.

10am-11am.

Free but booking essential. Please email curator@clancameronmuseum.co.uk to reserve your space.

Dunkeld Museum & Community Archive, The Cross, Dunkeld , Perths PH8 0AN

Ready your muskets and join the Sir Arthur Erskine Regiment for a tour of the site of Dunkeld’s 1689 Jacobite Battle! Reenactors in full historical costume will lead a tour around the village and explain the events which led to the Battle of Dunkeld on 21st August 1689 including the famous battle at Killiecrankie less than a month before. 

4 x Guided tours: 10.30am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3,30pm.

Tickets available HERE

(also running on Friday 22 August)

At 2pm ‘Rebel, Rebel’ ninety-minute walking tour of sites associated with the Jacobites and the fictional ‘Outlander’ series. Charge. Booking essential. Details and booking at walktheoldtown.co.uk/tours

Traquair House, Innerleithen, nr Peebles, EH44 6PW

11am-6pm

As part of the theme of The Art of Resistance, Traquair’s Jacobite history and artefacts will be showcased throughout the house. There will also be a tour/talk as part of the weekend’s events.

Tickets and information here: https://bbintfest.com/

Clan Cameron Museum, Achnacarry, Spean Bridge,  PH34 4EJ

Join us for a guided tour of the Clan Cameron Museum and the famous Beech Avenue, exploring the strong connections between the clan and the Jacobite cause.

10am-11am.

Free but booking essential. Please email curator@clancameronmuseum.co.uk to reserve your space.

Crieff & Strathearn Museum, Old Town Hall, 33 High Street, Crieff, PH7 3HU

Visit Crieff & Strathearn Museum “under the toon clock”, for the chance to meet some Jacobites and Redcoats from 1745. They’ll explain the clothing and weaponry of the Jacobite risings, and what life was like for soldiers of both sides during the campaign. Presented for the museum by The Alan Breck Regiment.

12pm-4pm. Free but donations welcome.

Crieff and Strathearn Museum in Scotland | Heritage Museum Crieff

Dunkeld Museum and Community Archive, The Cross, Dunkeld , Perths PH8 0AN

Visit re-enactors from Erskine’s Regiment in their living history camp, to discover more about soldiers’ lives during the first Jacobite war.

Free event. Booking essential by email to curator@clancameronmuseum.co.uk

At 2pm ‘Rebel, Rebel’ ninety-minute walking tour of sites associated with the Jacobites and the fictional ‘Outlander’ series. Charge. Booking essential. Details and booking at walktheoldtown.co.uk/tours