Culloden

Subject: Culloden Sat 22 Dec 2007, 1:27 pm

Knowing the area well and with an interest in the Rebellion of the 45, there are a number of tales connected to the battle and the nearby Culloden House Hotel. The best I've heard recently was regarding the B9006 near Kilravock Castle. This was the route taken by the Jacobite on the abortive night march to surprise the Hanovarian army who were camped at Nairn. Apparently the sounds of the march can sometimes be heard at night, this has been witnessed by two elderly women who live in the area and claim to have heard the noise about five times over the years. There is a great atmosphere in Culloden woods and especially around the Culwhiniac farm area. The other legend is the Great Skree of Culloden a large bird that is said to have appeared on the day of the battle 16th April 1746 and was reputed to be a bad Omen for the Jacobite army. affraid

Subject: Re: Culloden Sat 22 Dec 2007, 1:59 pm

Hi Stephen, welcome to the forum Very Happy

. It has been years since I have visited the Culloden battlefield. Among the various apparitions that have been seen there it has a tradition of being haunted by the sound of the battle, which could ties in nicely with the account you mentioned for the B9006, which I was unaware of.

I know that traditionally birds aren't supposed to sing at Culloden, but again I had never heard of the Skree.

I think we need to update our Culloden article a little.

Subject: Re: Culloden Sat 22 Dec 2007, 2:32 pm

Hi Ian, Thanks for the welcome, my interest in Culloden is deep having also been involved in the survey recently. With regards the birds issue, there are certainly crows around and they can be seen around the Clan graves near the Cairn. I've seen the odd Kite and Owls. Have walked the battlefield on the anniversary and in the night although no sightings! There is always a great atmosphere when the mist rolls in. I know also of a fairly recent apparition near where the Barrell Government line was which was claimed by a young woman who was very distressed after. Oddly enough the Jacobotes broke into this line and was where the Hanovarians suffered their major casualties.. If you are interested there is a very recent publication called, Culloden Tales by Hugh G. Allison a very good read . In fact I know the author. I recommend, if in the area the Culloden Inn where on some occassions you'd think the battle had never finished! Cheers and Merry Christmas santa

Age : 31 Joined : 12 Oct 2007 Posts : 253

Hello and welcome.
I seem to recall that a large bird very much like the Culloden Skree was supposed to have been seen above the Chernobyl power plant minutes before the fateful explosion.
I also seem to recall that a lone highlander is supposed to have been seen on occasions at Culloden: sometimes he's rumored to wear bloodstained clothing, others to be searching for something.
Does anyone know anything more?
_________________
Fas: Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeternum.

Subject: Re: Culloden Fri 18 Jan 2008, 9:44 am

Isn't there supposed to have been a Bean Nighe (washer woman- like a bean sidhe) attached to the story? I am familiar with the Skree, but I'm sure there was a "washer at the ford" somewhere. The Jacobite rebellion of '45- classic case of military tactics going spectacularly wrong! Because of a Frenchman! Should've carried on marching... Rolling Eyes

_________________
Seek for answers in the mundane, with hope for answers in the fantastic

the resident uruisge

www.swt.org.uk

Subject: Re: Culloden Fri 18 Jan 2008, 8:06 pm

By the time of the Battle, Charles had lost faith in Lord George Murray and was relying on John William O'Sullavan his Irish Adjutant and mainly responsible for the debacle at Culloden. Regarding the French WasherWoman this is news to me, but the the Ford you mention might have been the Ford of Fallie due south of the battlefield and on the way to Moy. Most of the retreating Jacobite force crossed the Ford with the intention of regrouping at Ruthvan Barracks at Kingussie. Murray arrived, but Charles had already fled West. Women did in those times accompany their husbands on campaigne and may have well been the case on this story.Those interested in Jacobite hauntings may refer to the Salutation Hotel, in Perth where there is well known case of a haunting. Cool

Subject: Re: Culloden Sat 19 Jan 2008, 10:42 pm

French Washer Woman? I think we've both gotten a bit mixed up here:lol: What I was meaning was that I'm sure there's a story of a particular Scottish faerie/folk belief about the Bean Nighe who works in the same way as a Bean Sidhe, only instead of shrieking to warn of a death, the Bean Nighe was said to wash the blood-stained clothes of those about to die in battle. I might be haverning though, about such a story being attached to the battle.
_________________
Seek for answers in the mundane, with hope for answers in the fantastic

the resident uruisge

www.swt.org.uk

Subject: Re: Culloden Tue 26 Feb 2008, 10:28 pm

I seem to recall something in one of the lang syne publications about a woman being seen by American visitors - or am I thinking about Killicrankie?

Subject: Re: Culloden Wed 16 Apr 2008, 4:48 pm

Just to let you all know that today is the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, 16th April 1746, affraid

Subject: Re: Culloden Wed 16 Apr 2008, 6:34 pm

I think any of the sightings have all been reported at early dawn. Although I use the term reported loosley.