The Siege of Blair Castle, 1745

The Siege of Blair Castle is a significant event in Scottish history that took place during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The castle, which is located in the Scottish Highlands and was the seat of the Dukes of Atholl, was surrounded by Scottish Jacobite forces who were desperate to take the strategically important stronghold and its arms. The Jacobite army, led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, had launched a rebellion against the Hanoverian government in an attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne of Great Britain. Charles had the support of several Scottish clans, including the Murray, MacDonald, MacGregor, and Cameron clans. The 2nd Duke of Atholl, James Murray, was a loyalist to the Hanoverian government and had fled the castle when the Jacobites approached. However, his brother, William Murray, Marquess of Tullibardine, had fought for the Stuart cause in previous Jacobite risings and returned to Scotland as part of Charles’ entourage. He raised the Athollmen to form the bulk of the Atholl Brigade, which was commanded by his brother, Lord George Murray. The Jacobites laid siege to Blair Castle on February 6, 1746, and for two weeks, they encircled the great house, with hardly a shot fired in anger. However, the defenders of the castle were able to hold out and the Jacobites were forced to abandon the siege as they were called north to bolster the forces being gathered at Inverness by Charles Edward Stuart. The siege of Blair Castle serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and alliances between Scottish clans during this turbulent period in history. The castle, which has been in continuous occupation since the 13th century, has been the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl and it still stands today as a testament to the history and heritage of Scotland. Visitors to Blair Castle can learn more about the siege and the clans involved by touring the castle and its exhibitions. The castle holds a collection of weapons that were used at the Battle of Culloden, and also has a fascinating exhibition about the design, construction and opening of the Forth Rail Bridge. The castle is open to visitors year-round and is a must-see for those with an interest in Scottish history and heritage. In conclusion, the Siege of Blair Castle was a significant event in Scottish history that took place during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The castle was successfully defended by government troops and the Jacobites were forced to abandon the siege after two weeks. Today, Blair Castle serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and alliances between Scottish clans during this turbulent period in history and is open to visitors year-round, offering a wealth of information and artifacts that tells the story of the siege and the clans involved.