I've completed the second Jacobite unit of the project, the men of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. This is one of the smaller regiments that took part in the battle and, as such, is represented by just three bases in my collection.
The figures are from Flags of War, and I must say how impressed I am with them. The sculpts are full of character and were a pleasure to paint. I've enjoyed them so much that I've already ordered another batch to represent one of the other smaller clan regiments present at Culloden, Clan Maclean.
Clan Macdonald of Clanranald at Culloden
Young Ranald Clanranald was among the first to pledge his support to the jacobite cause after Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed in the Hebrides in July 1745. However in their initial meeting with the prince young Clanranald and Kinlochmoidart initially refused to join Prince Charles, warning that rising without preparation or wider support would lead to disaster. During the discussion, a younger brother of Kinlochmoidart—who had been listening nearby—became increasingly agitated as he realised who the Prince was and heard the hesitation of the clan leaders.
When Charles turned to him and asked directly whether he would assist, he immediately replied, “I will! Though no other man in the Highlands should draw a sword, I am ready to die for you!” Struck by his response, and moved by the young man’s conviction, both Clanranald and Kinlochmoidart then changed their stance, pledging their support for the Stuart cause and working to rally their countrymen to arms.
Young Ranald Clanranald later went on to lead his clan at the Battle of Culloden. During the battle, his men were positioned on the extreme left of the Jacobite line alongside the other Macdonald regiments. Because of the angle of the Jacobite line, they had the longest stretch of open moorland to cross, and not a single Macdonald man succeeded in reaching the government lines.
Following the defeat at Culloden, Young Ranald Clanranald fled into exile in France, where he remained until 1754.
