The whole
clan toured the Culloden Moor battlefield with Ian as our
guide. With all the clan standing (in the rain) Ian slowly
circled the Memorial Cairn piping a beautiful lament for the
1200 Highlanders who fell during the battle of 16 April 1746,
When Prince Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie,
and his army were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and his
army. Also lamented was the loss of identity (destruction
of the clan system, banning the tartan dress, banning the
bagpipes as an instrument of war) and the change of lifestyle
that lead to the Highland clearances.
The evening
concluded in a happier mood when Ian piped the Clan into dinner
at the hotel. Ian and Catherine truly made our day unforgettable
and our visit to Culloden especially meaningful.