The Apprehension of Ewen MacPherson of Cluny

Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, also known as “Cluny Macpherson,” was a prominent figure in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. As the chief of Clan MacPherson, he was a leading supporter of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and played a significant role in the rebellion against the British government. However, his involvement in the Jacobite cause would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Cluny’s early life was marked by respect and admiration from those around him. His father-in-law, Lord Lovat, described him as “a thorrow good natur’d, even temper’d, honest gentleman.” He was also known for his physical appearance, being described as “of a low stature, very square, and a dark brown complection.”

In 1742, Cluny took over management of his father’s estate and was asked by the Duke of Gordon to protect a wide area of land from cattle thieving. He also signed a bond of friendship with his father-in-law Simon Fraser and his cousin, Donald Cameron, “binding themselves and their followers to stand by and support each other.” This bond would prove to be significant in the events to come.

In August 1745, with rumors of a Jacobite uprising circulating, the government offered Cluny command of an independent company in Lord Loudon’s regiment. However, this required swearing an oath of allegiance to George II. Once Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard at Glenfinnan, Cluny was in a difficult position. His clan had been Jacobite in 1715, but not all were similarly inclined thirty years later. Despite his wife Jenny’s wishes for him to remain faithful to the government, Cluny was taken prisoner by a Jacobite raiding party composed of Camerons and emerged within two weeks as a newly minted colonel in the Jacobite army.

Cluny went on to play a significant role in the Jacobite cause, raising troops and participating in battles such as Prestonpans and Falkirk. However, he was not present at the Battle of Culloden and went on the run after the Jacobite defeat. His clan surrendered in June, and Cluny House was plundered and burnt. Cluny spent the next nine years in hiding, evading government forces with the help of loyal friends and supporters.

However, his luck would eventually run out. In 1755, Cluny was betrayed by a government informant and was apprehended by government forces. He was put on trial and found guilty of treason, being sentenced to death by hanging.

The story of Ewen MacPherson Cluny is a tragic tale of rebellion and betrayal. Despite his contributions to the Jacobite cause, he ultimately fell victim to the political machinations and betrayals of the time. Cluny’s legacy lives on in the history of Scotland and serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic nature of political rebellion.