Hiking, Biking, Boating, Touring, Climbing, Riding, Flying, Running,
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ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH — MARCH, 2004

April 16, 1746—

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD, if it were a golf course—and whenever in Scotland such an idea is never far from my imagination—would be described as "heathland". That means lowland scrub dense with bracken and knee-high clinging shrubs. The rough at Culloden would indeed be rough. One can readily imagine kicking up pheasant, partridge, and grouse but never finding an errant golf ball.

        The sea—the Moray Firth is more a nearly captive sound than wild coastline—is close: about 2 miles away at its closest point. But Culloden couldn’t be described as fit for a seaside course, and has none of the dune qualities of a natural Scottish links.

FLAG MARKING POSITION OF A HIGHLAND
REGIMENT ON CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

        That’s not to say there isn’t a breeze at Culloden. The few hardy trees on the heath don’t offer much protection from the steady winds coming largely unopposed out of the open northwest. My on-line Merriam-Webster defines "heath" as:

"1a: a tract of wasteland; b: an extensive area of rather level open uncultivated land usually with poor coarse soil, inferior drainage, and a surface rich in peat or peaty humus" and notes something telltale in its etymology: "Middle English heth, from Old English h[AE]th; akin to Old High German heida heather".

        Yes, there is plenty of Scottish heather to grab your ankles at Culloden.
        But Culloden Battlefield is no golf course. To many Scots, the exposed tract of wasteland a few miles east of Inverness is sanctified ground, holier than even St. Andrew’s Old Course ever will be. And to fully understand Scotland, Culloden Battlefield is a must-see.
        By the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last stand at Culloden, the time of the Highland Scots was past. Its last and greatest hero, Central Scotland’s Rob Roy MacGregor was already 12 years in his grave in the churchyard at Balquhidder. Scotland’s clan system was in its death throes.

      CONSECRATED GROUND — CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

        Home at First’s Northern Scotland cottages are a short day trip away from Culloden Battlefield in Inverness city and on a large Northern Highland estate. You can visit Culloden and most of Northern Scotland from your home base in
NORTHERN SCOTLAND