Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument

About

The Bonnie Prince Charlie monument is in the village of Arivruach, Lochs to mark where he landed following the Battle of Culloden.

On the 23rd July 1745 Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) arrived on the Isle of Eriskay, Outer Hebrides from France. His aim was to regain the throne of Great Britain on behalf of his father, James Stuart. The Highland clan chiefs were dismayed that he had brought no French troops, few arms and very little money to fund his campaign. Some refused outright to give him any support. After failing to convince him of the futility of his mission some clan chiefs joined him against their better judgement. The consequences were to prove disastrous to the Highland clans and the Gaelic culture.

After his defeat at the Battle of Culloden on 16th April 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie fled back to the Outer Hebrides, this time with a bounty of £30,000 on his head. Cn the run he hid in the Outer Hebrides from 27th April 1746 till he left "Over the sea to Skye" with Flora MacDonald on 28th June 1746.

Thinking he could make his escape from Lewis, he travelled to Scalpay and then sailed to Arivruach in Lochs on 4th May 1746. It was just 18 days after the disastrous battle of Culloden where over 1200 highlanders had died. He went on foot to Arnish, just outside Stornoway and was given shelter by Lady Kiloun. He then sailed south to Eilean Lubhard and then back to Uist where he made his final escape.

It is to the eternal honour of all Hebrideans that regardless of their loyalties he was not betrayed to the authorities.

Find out more about Bonnie Prince Charles and his Hebridean escapades on the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail and this blog Bonnie Prince Charlie enjoys Island Getaway