Fairburn Tower – Clan Mackenzie

Fairburn Tower was built in 1545 for Murdo Mackenzie, the 1st of Fairburn. Murdo was ‘a graceful Youth‘ and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber for King James V. ‘ A Gentleman of the Bedchamber’ was a title in the Royal Household used from the 11th century. The duties consisted of assisting the Monarch with dressing, waiting on…

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Christmas 2023 Chez Nicholson

Our cozy Christmas at home in Culloden We enjoyed a relaxed Christmas at home after a very busy 2023 and a busy period of reorganisation and home improvements since we finished our tour season at the end of October. Since then, we have reorganised our many antiques and historic books in our large open-plan living…

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Pewter and Outlander

You may think of Pewter as an old-fashioned thing, however, it remains popular and an alternative to china and earthenware and is said to be the fourth most common jewelry metal after gold, silver and platinum. Pewter is a metal alloy and its uses have included: plates and tableware, tankards, pitchers, vases, figurines, candlesticks, buttons,…

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Butterflies in Salzburg…

If there’s one thing that these last two years have taught me, it’s that life is to be lived as though every day is special. Towards the end of 2021, we spent a full month redecorating and reorganising every inch of our Culloden home. We painted our open-plan living/dining/kitchen area – one large room which…

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Tartan Day

Happy Tartan Day The 6th April is Tartan Day – a North American celebration of Scottish heritage. It is also the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Below are some fun facts about Tartan Day, followed by more facts regarding Tartan itself. Tartan Day Facts Different countries have different Tartan…

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Jacobite executions in Inverness…

This old churchyard in Inverness was a place of Jacobite executions after the Battle of Culloden. Come take a walk with us through the graveyard to learn more… If you’d like to learn more about Scottish history, then come and join us on one of our Virtual Tours listed below: The Culloden Experience: Virtual Tour…

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The mystery of Jamie’s ghost…

Samhain The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (summer’s end), celebrating the end of summer and the harvest. It also marked the start of a new Celtic year and the start of winter. Also known as ‘An t-Samhain’, it is believed that ‘Halloween’ comes from a Scots…

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Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last meal at Culloden House and the life of Thomas the Pewterer…

On 14th April 1746, two nights prior to the Battle of Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie enjoyed a lavish meal at Culloden House. In attendance were several Lords, Clan Chiefs, French Commanders and Officers of the Irish Picquets. They gathered around the grand dining table, which was covered in fine tableware belonging to Duncan Forbes, 5th…

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Clootie Well, Culloden Woods

In the heart of Culloden Woods, just a short distance from the Battlefield is a walled Clootie Well known as St. Mary’s well. It sits on the ‘Culloden Battlefield Trail’ which runs through Culloden Woods. The Woods are located between the Battlefield and Culloden House. What is a Cloot? Well, traditionally, a piece of cloth…

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Bannockburn House

Bannockburn House is a rather special and historic place. It was built in the late 17th Century, with alterations made in the 19th Century. The original part of the house was completed around 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, although it’s thought to be built on an earlier building called Drummonds’ Hall. Sir John Drummond was…

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We live on Craigh na Dun…

Have you ever wondered whether Craigh na Dun really exists?… Hi there, I’m Di Nicholson. I’ve lived here in Culloden, Scotland, since 1990. I’m passionate about this beautiful part of the world, this incredible country and its history. Something astounding came to my attention a couple of years ago after a visit to Highland Archive…

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The Mystery of Balnain…

Pour yourself a cuppa and make yourself comfortable as we take you on a journey back through time… If you’re an Outlander fan you’ll know that Diana Gabaldon mentions Balnain in her book and it’s also in the TV Series. “Bean Tighearna Bhail’ ‘n Athain” or “The Woman of Balnain” is a Scottish Gaelic song…

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Cameron of Lochiel…

There is no feeling in the world like holding history in your hands. A piece that is centuries old… an item that has been held in the hands of a man well known in history, who bravely led his Clan into battle many times. When my 50th birthday was approaching, my husband asked me what…

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