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A fierce war in Scotland in 1746 is known as the “Scottish Alamo” because of the overwhelming victory of the British redcoats against an ill-equipped band of tartan-clad Highlanders.
It was the Battle of Culloden (pronounced “kul-ODD-in”), which wiped out many Highland traditions, such as kilt dress and the Gaelic language, at least for a few decades. This placed the British government in London under the company of Scotland.
I suspect the Scots will most likely call our respected Alamo Massacre “the Culloden of Texas,” as its fierce fighting on a moor near Inverness is a key component of Scotland’s history, as the Alamo is to us. Large-scale warfare on British soil and the site has been preserved, as well as a fashionable museum. The Alamo is just catching up in its presentation to visitors.
The key figure in the war and the events surrounding it was 25-year-old Charles Edward Stuart, known as “Bonnie (pretty) Prince Charlie. “He had recruited Highlander clans for insurgents opposed to British King George II in an effort to repair Stuart, his father James, to the throne of England and Scotland. His admirers were called Jacobites (“JACK-obites”), the Latin word for James.
“Bonnie Prince Charlie” effectively led his army for a few months before reuniting with his “Waterloo” at Culloden. Until then, the handsome prince had awakened the minds of many Scots who believed he would lead them to victory over oppressive rule. .
But he is better known for his escape to capture after Culloden than for the admiration he had before the battle. And surpassing him in fame and respect is a young woman who did not ask for popularity but is better known in the British world than the prince. .
Flora MacDonald, a 24-year-old woman who was living on a farm in one of the Hebrides west of the Scottish mainland when Prince Bonnie and some protectors took refuge there as they fled to avoid capture after Culloden. Flora helped sew a dress for Charles and continued with him and his entourage. The prince dressed as Flora’s Irish maid under the name Betty Burke.
The most famous, dramatic, and romantic component of Flora’s involvement was a boat trip to the Isle of Skye, where the prince hid before boarding a ship and fleeing to France. Despite the rumors, there was no romance between Flora and Carlos. She and others were eventually arrested. She was arrested for a criminal mission, then in London and still released. But the legend of Flora and “Bonnie Prince Charlie” had already been born.
Many have heard versions of the “Song of the Ship Skye”: “Quick, Bonnie Boat, like a ship on the wing, go ahead!” shout the sailors; he takes the child born to be king across the sea to Skye.
Flora praised her not so much for her loyalty to a cause as because, in a moment of crisis, she had done what she thought was right.
Author Flora Fraser follows the Scottish heroine after her to her death on the Isle of Skye in her 2022 book, “Flora MacDonald: Pretty Young Rebel. “
Fraser describes the “in-between,” when the woman who had supported the prince moved with her husband to North Carolina, supported the British in the American Revolution, and eventually returned to her homeland.
The e-book highlights how Flora MacDonald has become a celebrity throughout her life and remains in the British consciousness today with her photographs in sewing kits, jewellery and boxes of Walker shortbread. A statue of her stands in front of Inverness Castle.
Admired as a strong, intelligent woman who made history, Flora is known even in North Carolina, where the Flora MacDonald College for Young Girls operated for a few years and where she is talked about on ancient markers.
His tomb on the Isle of Skye features a Celtic cross above with the words “Flora MacDonald – Curator to Prince Charles Edward Stuart – Her calling will be discussed in history – And whether courage and fidelity are virtues – Mentioned with honour”.
Thus, the majestic, flamboyant man with royal blood overcame, escaped, and lived an uneventful life in Europe, while the ordinary, practical woman who briefly helped him is remembered with wonderful respect.
I still can’t think of the Jewish people, 2,000 years ago, who prayed for the coming of a messiah, a royal prince who would eventually lead an army opposed to Roman oppression and bring them peace and prosperity.
Instead, Jesus came here as a humble baby, grew up as a carpenter’s son, traveled on foot with his disciples, and died.
Sometimes life comes out of unforeseen faces.
Mike Haynes taught journalism at Amarillo College from 1991 to 2016 and has written for the Faith Chapter since 1997. He can be reached at haynescolumn@gmail. com. Visit www. haynescolumn. blogspot. com for more columns.
This article appeared in Amarillo Globe-News: Haynes’ Pillar of Faith: Flora MacDonald’s Curious Legacy
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