Historic Articles...

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Sex and, to a lesser extent, prostitution feature regularly in Outlander. Diana Gabaldon accurately reflects this side of 18th century society in her plots and her writing. Here, we reflect on some of the research that Diana might have done and the culture of the time that contributed to the storyline. We also uncover a…

As Series Five of Outlander unfolds on our TV screens, we wanted to research and share with you what a Fiery Cross actually is/was. Setting the Scene The Fiery Cross book and series five focus on the lead up to the American Revolution, with Jamie ordered to raise a militia and oust the rebellion in…

Hi, I’m Di. Culloden is very close to my heart. If you’ve read my past life story you’ll understand why. I’ve lived here for the greater part of my life, in a little spot by the woods between Culloden House and Culloden Battlefield. I visit the Battlefield often. It’s not only somewhere I visit regularly…

Andy Nicholson’s been a keen photographer for many years, and it’s been an amazing journey to witness his photography becoming more and more stunning with each passing year. As his partner in life and work, I’ve witnessed how his perception has changed and adapted to allow him to capture the best shot possible. If you’d…

It was about a year ago that a lady I know mentioned to me in passing the gravestones believed to be hidden in deep undergrowth in Culloden Woods. She’d been told about them by a historian. I’ve walked those woods for years and had never come across them, but then Culloden Woods does cover a…

I am frequently asked this. People can experience them in different ways, but for me personally, this is how I experience them… You know those moments when you step into total present awareness? It’s those times when you step into the right here, right now, and become so focused on what’s happening around you that…

In April 2007, when I set my intention to connect with my Soulmate, I had no idea that during that same month, a man called Andy was on the top of a mountain in Austria putting the same wish out there. We had both come through failed marriages and we both wanted things to be…

My Mum passed away at home on 26th May 2015. She had a peaceful passing, my brother and I by her side. I held her hand for the last few hours until she drifted away. It was just as she wanted; to be at home, both of us with her. A few minutes before she…