Home   News   Article

Where in Moray?


By Alistair Whitfield

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
.

Hazel Thomson took this photo of Duffus Castle.

One of Moray's most scenic landmarks, the castle played a part in the very first Jacobite Uprising in 1689, which preceded the best known insurrections in 1715 and 1745.

Its leader, John Graham, the 1st Viscount Dundee, stayed the night as a guest of the castle's owner Lord Duffus.

But just days later he would be dead.

Graham, had remained loyal to James VII of Scotland (James II of England) after the king was deposed due to his Catholic beliefs.

He rallied several Highland clans to the Jacobite cause and, under his leadership, they routed a much larger government force at the Battle of Killiecrankie.

But in the act of leading a cavalry charge downhill Graham was hit by a musket ball.

It pierced beneath his breastplate and he fell dying from his horse.

The Highlanders had won the battle.

But the death of the charismatic Graham effectively spelled the end of the insurrection.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More