Killiecrankie Battlefield

Centered a mile (1.5 km) northwest of the village of Killiecrankie, on a trip of land on the left bank of the River Garry, is the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie which was fought on the 27th July 1689. A Jacobite army of 2500 men under 'Bonnie Dundee', John Graham of Claverhouse (1649-89), defeated a government much larger force of 4000 men under General Hugh Mackay of Scourie (c.1640-92). The location of the battle was of strategic importance in that the Pass of Killiecrankie was a key access route into the Highlands and the Jacobites were determined to prevent the government army reaching Inverness. Claverhouse, supported by Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, took the high ground and despite continuous volleys of fire from the government troops on the low ground, the Highlanders charged and dispatched many of their enemy with their broad-swords. Claverhouse was mortally wounded towards the close of the battle and taken to Blair Atholl where he lies buried. However, the government forces were routed, with more than 2000 killed and the remainder fleeing in disarray. A certain Donald MacBean made his famous jump to safety at the Soldier's Leap, which lies close to the visitor centre, which describes the events surrounding the battle, at the side of the A9 road just to the southeast of Killiecrankie village.


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